Veteran CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour announces exit from network, will go off the air next June

Christiane Amanpour to Leave CNN International in 2027 After 43‑Year Career

Christiane Amanpour, the long‑time anchor of CNN International’s flagship interview show, announced that she will step down from the network in the summer of 2027. The 68‑year‑old journalist, who has been a familiar face to viewers worldwide for more than four decades, said she is ready to begin a new chapter in her professional life.

Amanpour’s decision was made public on Monday during a staff memo issued by CNN International chief executive Mark Thompson. Thompson wrote that Amanpour “has thought carefully about this decision” and that the two had discussed the move for several months. “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,” he added.

Under the arrangement, Amanpour will reduce her flagship program “Amanpour” to a weekly broadcast in early 2027. The series will conclude in May, and the anchor will leave CNN entirely by the end of June.

A Legacy of Independent Journalism

In a televised address to viewers, Amanpour thanked her audience and highlighted the pressures faced by journalists today. “Now, you know I've always been fiercely independent, and I will continue to be that for you for as long as I am here and beyond,” she said. “That’s especially important today as we face unprecedented pressures from all sides—political, financial, and the rising dangers in the field. I’ll always be rooting for CNN maintaining its history of independent journalism.”

She also reaffirmed her editorial stance in a written statement, urging “always be truthful, not neutral,” and stressing that objectivity requires weighing all sides and evidence without rushing to equate opposing positions.

Amanpour has long been a polarizing figure. Her coverage of the Israel‑Hamas war, her remarks on Palestinian hostages, and her willingness to challenge prevailing narratives have drawn both praise and criticism. In October 2023, she claimed that the world had agreed with Jordanian Queen Rania Al Abdullah that Western support for Israel was disproportionately high, a statement that drew backlash from Israeli officials and the Anti‑Defamation League. She later apologized for a separate claim that an Israeli rabbi’s family had been killed in a “shootout,” which was later proven false.

Amanpour also sparked controversy in 2020 when she compared President Trump’s rhetoric to Kristallnacht, the Nazi “Night of Broken Glass.” The remarks were met with condemnation from both the Israeli government and the Anti‑Defamation League, leading Amanpour to issue a statement of regret and walk back the comparison.

Despite these controversies, many of her colleagues consider her a cornerstone of the network. One long‑time staffer referred to her as the “heart and soul of this company,” noting that she is “synonymous with a brand, but she is also bigger than the brand.” Another described her as CNN’s “reigning titan,” a testament to her influence and visibility in global journalism.

Context of Ownership Changes

Amanpour’s departure comes amid a period of significant corporate restructuring. In 2023, David Ellison, the CEO of Skydance and owner of Paramount Global, completed a $111 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing CNN, CBS, and other legacy media assets under Ellison’s umbrella. While no indication has emerged that Amanpour’s exit is related to the takeover, she has been outspoken about her concerns regarding Ellison’s stewardship of CBS News, which she believes has suffered a “hemorrhaging” of viewers and a shift in ideological direction.

In May, Amanpour publicly questioned Ellison’s influence on CBS after the hiring of Bari Weiss as editor‑in‑chief and the reported decline of long‑running programs such as “60 Minutes.” “I’m concerned based on what’s happened to the other things that he’s taken over already, like CBS News, right?” she asked in a forum. “I mean, do I have to list what’s happening there? I mean, hemorrhaging viewers, probably hemorrhaging money, this ideological realignment of CBS and the destruction, potentially, of ‘60 Minutes.’”

Reactions Inside the Network

CNN’s new leadership under Thompson has expressed support for Amanpour’s decision. A memo to staff emphasized respect for her “dedication and service” and recognized her contribution to the network’s reputation for independent reporting. While some employees expressed disappointment at losing a familiar anchor, many acknowledged the need for fresh voices as the network evolves.

Outside CNN, commentators have noted that Amanpour’s exit marks the first high‑profile departure under Ellison’s ownership. Media analysts point out that the network will likely need to fill a sizable void in both content and audience engagement. Others see it as an opportunity for the network to recalibrate its programming lineup and possibly bring in new talent with a different approach to international reporting.

Looking Ahead

Amanpour has not yet revealed her next professional moves, though she hinted at continuing her commitment to independent journalism beyond CNN. “I will continue to be that for you for as long as I am here and beyond,” she said. It remains unclear whether she plans to launch a new platform, join another news organization, or pursue independent projects.

As CNN prepares for the transition, the network will likely commission a new anchor to take over “Amanpour” or restructure the program’s format. The decision to scale down the show in 2027 gives the organization time to explore different formats, potentially integrating a mix of long‑form interviews, panel discussions, and live coverage from conflict zones—areas where Amanpour has built a reputation.

In the broader context of the media landscape, Amanpour’s departure underscores the shifting dynamics of global news. With new corporate ownerships, evolving audience expectations, and an increasing focus on digital distribution, veteran journalists may seek new opportunities to maintain editorial independence while reaching wider audiences.

CNN International will broadcast the last of Amanpour’s weekly shows in May, and the network will formally announce her departure in June. Viewers can expect a final farewell episode in which the anchor reflects on her career, her most memorable interviews, and the challenges of reporting in an increasingly polarized world.