Christiane Amanpour has confirmed she is leaving CNN after 43 years, telling fans she is "looking forward to interesting new projects down the line." The award-winning journalist made the announcement on Monday 19 October, ending an almost five-decade career with the network.
A Career of Reporting from Conflict Zones
In her statement, Amanpour said: "After many months of thought and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to separate from CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years!" She added that she "will always be rooting for CNN and maintaining its history of independent journalism."
Reflecting on her career, she noted: "From my very first big exciting assignment covering the First Gulf War, to the horrors of the Bosnian War, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran and all the points in between, it's the teams and the camaraderie that counted so much."
CNN Chairman's Response
CNN's chairman, Mark Thompson, addressed her exit in an internal memo, writing: "Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months." He added: "Like so many CNNers who will hear the news today, I'm very sorry to see her go, but I've come to accept that this is the right time for her, both personally and professionally."
Confirming that Amanpour will step down in 2027, Thompson said: "In the meantime, on behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship."
Tributes from Colleagues and Fans
Commentator Ana Navarro-Cárdenas responded: "Thank you, dear Christiane. You inspired so many women. Opened doors. Broke down glass ceilings. And did it all with grace and professionalism. You are simply the best - to quote Tina Turner."
Sarah Sidner, co-anchor of CNN News Central, added: "Your breadth and depth of work is unmatched. You have taken us to so many places, shown us what strength, truth, curiosity, honesty, bravery, kindness, confidence and courage [is]. I, for one, am so honoured to have worked beside you. To quote you: 'Be truthful, not neutral.'"
