Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after 43 years

CNN's chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour announced she will leave the network next year after 43 years. The 68-year-old journalist, known for reporting from conflict zones, said she plans to pursue new projects. CNN chairman Mark Thompson called her one of the most trusted journalists in the world.

tafs uz editorial deskFirst published on tafs uz 19 October 2026 at 22:072 min readAI translation

The key facts

Christiane Amanpour will leave CNN next year after 43 years with the company
She joined CNN in 1983 and, since 2009, has hosted her own evening program on CNN International
CNN chief Mark Thompson called her 'one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere'

Announcement of departure

CNN's chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour announced that she will leave the network next year after more than four decades of work. 'After many months of reflection and several sleepless nights, I have decided to part ways with CNN, my partner of 43 fantastic years,' the BBC quoted her statement. The 68-year-old journalist added that she looks forward to 'exciting new projects' and will always support CNN and its tradition of independent journalism, recalling her principle: 'always be truthful, not neutral'.

CNN leadership's reaction

CNN chairman Mark Thompson called Amanpour 'one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere' and said the network would take time to celebrate her work before her departure next year. In a memo to staff, he wrote that Amanpour 'has thought carefully about this decision' and that they had discussed it for several months. 'Like many at CNN, I am deeply sorry to see her go, but I accept that this is the right time for her — both personally and professionally,' Thompson noted, thanking her on behalf of the leadership for '43 extraordinary years of outstanding journalism, dedication and friendship'.

Career at CNN

Amanpour joined CNN in 1983 as an assistant in the international news desk and became one of the network's best-known correspondents, often covering conflicts and wars. Since 2009 she has hosted her own evening interview program on CNN International. Recalling her career, she listed 'the first big exciting assignment — covering the First Persian Gulf War,' as well as 'the horrors of the Bosnian war, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran.' 'What mattered most were the teams and the camaraderie,' she said, 'as we fought together for facts, evidence and humanity, so that CNN always broadcast the truth about the world and to the world, without fear and without favor.' She also thanked 'all the amazingly talented people' she worked with, especially her camera crews and field teams.