Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour announced on Monday that she is leaving CNN after 43 years with the network.
The 68-year-old stated, “After thinking carefully for several months and experiencing a few sleepless nights, as you can imagine, I’ve decided to separate from CNN.” She confirmed that her daily show on CNN and PBS will conclude at the end of this year, but added that there will be a smooth transition allowing her to continue with a weekly programme through until June.
Amanpour, who gained prominence for her reporting from war zones, has not disclosed the reasons behind her departure. This comes shortly after the merger of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, with Paramount Skydance on 6 October, which raised concerns over the editorial independence of CNN. The new owners, the Ellison family, have close ties to US President Donald Trump.
Amanpour, born in London to an Iranian father and British mother, joined CNN in 1983 and covered major conflicts in the 1990s, including the Gulf War and the Bosnian War. She has interviewed numerous world leaders and reported from various conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Rwanda.
Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about new projects while emphasising her commitment to independent journalism, stating, “Remember: always be truthful, not neutral.” CNN’s Chief Executive, Mark Thompson, praised her for her “extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship,” acknowledging that while many at CNN will miss her, it is the right time for her departure.
