Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after 43 years as show moves to weekly format

Christiane Amanpour plans to leave CNN at the end of June after more than 43 years with the network, marking the departure of one of its most established international news anchors.

Before her exit, Amanpour's eponymous CNN International programme is expected to move to a once-weekly schedule in early 2027. The programme will conclude in May, according to a letter from CNN chief executive Mark Thompson to newsroom employees.

The change gives viewers a defined timeline for the programme's final phase. Amanpour is currently CNN's chief international anchor and has been a prominent presence on the 24/7 news network for more than four decades.

What CNN announced

Thompson said Amanpour had considered the decision carefully and that the two had discussed it for several months. He described her departure as the beginning of a new chapter and said he had accepted that the timing was right for her personally and professionally.

The letter also expressed regret within CNN over her planned departure. Thompson said many employees would be sorry to see her leave, while confirming the schedule for the programme and her final departure from the company.

Amanpour's tenure at CNN has lasted more than 43 years. The announcement therefore affects both the network's international anchor role and a programme carrying her name.

Timing of the transition

The programme is due to scale back to once a week in early 2027. It is then scheduled to end in May, with Amanpour leaving CNN at the end of June.

Those milestones distinguish the end of the programme from Amanpour's departure date. The show will conclude first, while her time at the network will continue until the end of June.

The announcement comes weeks after David Ellison's media corporation Paramount Skydance took over Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company. The supplied announcement does not identify that ownership change as the reason for Amanpour's decision.

For viewers, the immediate change will be a reduced weekly schedule before the programme ends. The longer-term change will be Amanpour's departure from CNN after more than four decades at the network.

Conclusion

Amanpour will leave CNN at the end of June after her programme moves to a weekly schedule in early 2027 and concludes in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will Christiane Amanpour leave CNN?

Amanpour plans to leave CNN at the end of June.

Q. How long has Amanpour been at CNN?

She has been with CNN for more than 43 years.

Q. What will happen to her CNN International programme?

It is expected to move to a once-weekly schedule in early 2027 and conclude in May.

Q. Who announced Amanpour's departure?

CNN chief executive Mark Thompson announced it in a letter to newsroom employees.

Q. What is Amanpour's current CNN role?

She is CNN's chief international anchor.

Q. Who owns CNN's parent company after the reported takeover?

Warner Bros. Discovery is identified as CNN's parent company, and David Ellison's media corporation Paramount Skydance is identified as having taken it over.