Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN
43-year CNN veteran Christiane Amanpour's decision to leave CNN comes just weeks after David Ellison's Skydance took control of the news network.
Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour announced on Monday that she will be leaving CNN in June of 2027 after 43 years of partnership with the news network. In a memo to CNN staffers, Amanpour expressed her decision to part ways with the organization, citing her thoughts and sleepless nights after much contemplation. The news of billionaire and Donald Trump associate David Ellison's controlling interest in CNN has reportedly shaken the ranks of the network, raising concerns about its editorial independence.
Despite Ellison's assurances of editorial independence, Amanpour, who has battled ovarian cancer in recent years, may be leaving her PBS series Amanpour & Company at the end of 2026. Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor, has expressed her reluctance to leave her professional integrity to the whims of Ellison, who reportedly attended a state dinner just days after CNN was banned from covering the event.
In her farewell memo, Amanpour emphasized her commitment to truth, stating, "Always be truthful, not neutral." She also praised her time at CNN, highlighting the importance of the teams and camaraderie they had formed while battling to seek the facts, evidence, and humanity. Amanpour's decision to leave CNN is met with warm sentiments from her boss, Mark Thompson, who described her as "our dear friend and colleague" and one of the biggest stars in CNN history.
Thompson also expressed his hope that Amanpour would continue to support CNN and maintain its history of independent journalism.
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