Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after 43 years

CNN’s chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour has announced that she will leave the US news network after 43 years. She is set to depart CNN next year.

Amanpour, 68, announced her decision in a statement. She said, “After many months of reflection and a few sleepless nights, I have decided to leave CNN. The network has been my partner for an extraordinary 43 years.”

Amanpour expressed hope of working on new projects after leaving CNN. She also said she would continue to support the network’s tradition of independent journalism.

Amanpour said, “Remember: Always be truthful, not neutral.”

CNN Chairman Mark Thompson described Amanpour as “one of the world’s most trusted and beloved journalists.” He also said CNN would take time to celebrate her long career before her departure next year.

In a message sent to staff on Monday, Thompson said Amanpour had made the decision after careful consideration. They had been discussing the matter for several months.

Thompson said, “I am very sad to see her go. However, I have accepted that this is the right time for her, both personally and professionally.”

Thompson thanked Amanpour for her 43 years of journalism, loyalty and friendship at CNN.

Amanpour began her career at CNN in 1983 as an assistant on the network’s international news desk. She later became one of the network’s best known international correspondents. She gained particular recognition for her reporting from war zones and conflict areas.

Reflecting on her long career, Amanpour recalled covering the First Gulf War, Bosnia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran.

Thanking her colleagues and field teams, she said they had worked together to uncover the truth, evidence and human dimensions of events. Their goal, she said, was to ensure CNN could “tell the world about the world and tell the world the truth without fear or favor.”

Since 2009, Amanpour has hosted a regular interview program bearing her name on CNN International.

Source: BBC (Adapted)