Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN in June 2027 after 43 years
Christiane Amanpour will depart CNN in June 2027 after 43 years. Her daily interview show ends in May 2027, and her PBS program concludes in December 2026. CNN chairman Mark Thompson confirmed the decision was mutual and discussed for months. The exit follows Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, raising concerns about editorial independence.
Key points
- Amanpour, 68, announced her departure in a statement, citing 'many months of thought' and 'a few sleepless nights.'
- She will continue reporting for CNN through June 2027, with her eponymous nightly show ending in May 2027.
- Her PBS program, 'Amanpour & Company,' will conclude in December 2026.
- CNN chairman Mark Thompson described her as 'one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere' and confirmed the decision was mutual.
- The announcement came weeks after Paramount Skydance finalized its purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company.
Background
Amanpour has been a CNN anchor for 43 years, known for reporting from conflict zones including Bosnia, Rwanda, Ukraine, Iran, and Afghanistan. She hosted a nightly interview show on CNN International since 2009. In January 2025, she scaled back to hosting a few days a week after revealing a third recurrence of ovarian cancer. The recent acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, sparked anxiety among CNN staff regarding editorial independence and cost-cutting measures.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post emphasized concerns about Skydance’s plans for CNN, citing Amanpour’s May 2026 comments expressing worry about Ellison’s management of CBS News. The outlet also noted speculation that financial pressures and Ellison’s pro-Israel stance may have influenced her decision. CNN’s coverage focused on the mutual nature of the decision and Amanpour’s gratitude for her 43-year tenure, without explicitly linking her departure to the Skydance acquisition. Both outlets confirmed the timeline for her exit and the end of her PBS program.
Why it matters
Amanpour’s departure marks a significant shift for CNN, one of its most recognizable journalists leaving after decades. The timing, following Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, raises questions about the network’s editorial direction and independence. Her exit may signal broader changes in CNN’s leadership and programming under new ownership.
What to watch
CNN will celebrate Amanpour before her departure in June 2027. Her eponymous show will end in May 2027, and her PBS program will conclude in December 2026. She plans to continue her podcast, 'The Ex Files,' with ex-husband Jamie Rubin. The network will likely announce replacements for her roles and may face further scrutiny over editorial decisions under Skydance ownership.
- Christiane Amanpour to exit CNN amid staffer concern on new owner Skydance's plans for network New York Post
- Christiane Amanpour Says She Is Leaving CNN After 43 Years The New York Times
- Christiane Amanpour announces she will leave CNN next June CNN
- Longtime CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour leaving network after a storied career of 43 years PBS
- Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after four decades as Ellison era begins Reuters
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