Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after 43 years, departure set for next year
Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor and senior war correspondent, has announced she is leaving the US news network after more than four decades. After a distinguished 43-year career, she will depart CNN next year, it has been confirmed.
In a statement, the 68-year-old veteran journalist said: 'After many months of thought and quite a few sleepless nights, I have decided to part ways with CNN. It has been my companion for 43 wonderful years.'
She added: 'I am looking forward to new and exciting work ahead. I will always wish CNN well for its history of independent journalism. But remember — always be truthful, not just neutral.'
CNN chairman Mark Thompson, in a memo sent to staff on Monday, described Amanpour as 'one of the most trusted and popular journalists' in world media.
Thompson wrote that Christiane had taken the decision with great care. 'We have been discussing this for the past few months. Like many at CNN, I am deeply saddened by today's news. But I accept that, personally and professionally, this is the right time for her,' he wrote.
He added: 'On behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I thank Christiane for 43 years of extraordinary journalism, dedication and friendship.' The network said special initiatives would be taken to celebrate the legendary journalist's career before she leaves next year.
Christiane Amanpour began her career in 1983 as an entry-level assistant on CNN's international desk. She went on to establish herself as one of the network's leading international correspondents, winning worldwide recognition for her frontline reporting from conflicts, wars and crises across the globe.
In her farewell message, thanking her colleagues, Amanpour said: 'My first big and thrilling assignment was the first Gulf War. From there I had the opportunity to cover the horrific scenes of conflict zones such as the Bosnian war, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran.'
Recalling her field work, she said: 'Our goal was always to seek out the truth, the evidence and the humanity, so that CNN could deliver objective information to the world without fear or favour.'
Since 2009, she had hosted her own popular evening international interview programme on CNN International, which became known for its face-to-face questioning of world leaders and decision-makers.
Amanpour is a familiar face to Bangladeshi audiences as well. During the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, she interviewed Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and his daughter, opera singer Monica, who faced harassment in a tax evasion case. She also reported on the inhumane living conditions of Rohingya refugees in the Cox's Bazar camps.
Reporting directly from war zones for over four decades, Amanpour became one of the most recognisable faces in international journalism, and her departure announcement drew emotional reactions inside and outside CNN.
She will continue in her role until her formal departure next year. Her next destination is not yet known, though her statement hinted at 'new and exciting work' ahead.
