Veteran CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour revealed plans to leave the network next summer. Her tenure spans over four decades. CNN CEO Mark Thompson informed staff about her decision in a memo, noting, “After over 43 years at CNN, Christiane has decided it’s time for a new chapter.” Amanpour will reduce her CNN International show ‘Amanpour’ to once a week from early 2027. The show will end in May, with Amanpour exiting CNN in June.
Thompson mentioned that Amanpour’s decision came after careful consideration, involving discussions between them over months. “Many at CNN will regret her departure,” he expressed, acknowledging it might be the right time for her, both personally and professionally.
Amanpour expressed gratitude to her audience in an on-air address, hinting at the ongoing “pressures” faced by her and CNN colleagues. She emphasized her continued commitment to independent journalism, stating, “Always be truthful, not neutral.”
The announcement surprised CNN staff members, with one describing her as CNN’s “reigning titan” and “the heart and soul” of the company. They acknowledged her potential to influence journalism beyond CNN, noting her stature extends beyond the brand.
While revered within CNN and the liberal media, Amanpour has critics. She rejects neutrality in reporting, advocating for truth as the guiding principle. She told Columbia Journalism School graduates in 2023, “Both-siderism…does not always lead to truth.” She stressed the importance of presenting all evidence without false equivalence.
Amanpour’s reporting, including recent coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, has attracted attention. In October 2023, she noted global consensus with Jordanian Queen Rania Al Abdullah regarding perceived Western bias towards Israel over Palestinians. Amanpour also mentioned negotiators’ efforts for “hostage release on both sides,” implying Israel holds civilian hostages like Hamas, sparking reactions. Earlier, she apologized for describing an Israeli rabbi’s family’s murder as a “shootout.” In 2020, she faced backlash for likening the Trump presidency to Kristallnacht, later retracting her comparison.
Amanpour’s departure marks a significant shift under CNN’s new corporate ownership. Skydance CEO and Paramount owner David Ellison completed a $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, merging it with CNN, CBS, and other networks.
No evidence suggests her decision relates to Ellison’s acquisition. However, Amanpour has openly challenged her superiors, notably Chris Licht, for his handling of the Trump town hall in 2023. She also criticized Ellison’s management of CBS, expressing concerns about declining viewership and potential ideological shifts.
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