Career Timeline of Christiane Amanpour: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Christiane Amanpour, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Christiane Amanpour is a prominent British-Iranian journalist and television host. She currently serves as the Chief International Anchor for CNN and hosts several interview programs, including CNN International's 'Amanpour,' CNN's 'The Amanpour Hour,' and 'Amanpour & Company' on PBS. Additionally, she co-hosts 'Christiane Amanpour Presents The Ex-Files' with her ex-husband, James Rubin, highlighting her extensive career in international news and broadcast journalism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1983: Hired by CNN

In 1983, Christiane Amanpour was hired by CNN as an entry-level desk assistant in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the beginning of her career in international journalism.

1986: Transfer to Eastern Europe

In 1986, Christiane Amanpour was transferred to Eastern Europe to report on the fall of European communism, expanding her role as a correspondent.

1989: Assigned to Frankfurt

In 1989, Christiane Amanpour was assigned to work in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany, where she reported on the democratic revolutions sweeping Eastern Europe at the time.

1990: Correspondent for CNN's New York Bureau

By 1990, Christiane Amanpour served as a correspondent for CNN's New York bureau, further establishing her presence in international news reporting.

1990: Reports on the Persian Gulf War

In 1990, Christiane Amanpour's reports on the Persian Gulf War following Iraq's occupation of Kuwait brought her wide recognition and established her as a prominent international correspondent.

1992: Chief International Correspondent for CNN

In 1992, Christiane Amanpour became CNN's chief international correspondent, a position she held until 2010, covering major global crises and securing interviews with world leaders.

1995: Interviews with Iranian Presidents since 1995

Since 1995, Christiane Amanpour has interviewed every Iranian president either inside or outside of Iran, and she has never been asked to wear a head scarf, until the incident in September 2022 with President Ebrahim Raisi.

1996: Contracted by 60 Minutes

In 1996, Christiane Amanpour was contracted by Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes, to contribute in-depth international news reports, marking a role as special contributor.

2005: End of 60 Minutes contract

In 2005, Christiane Amanpour's contract with 60 Minutes was terminated by Jeff Fager, ending her role as a special contributor.

October 2007: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In October 2007, Christiane Amanpour was appointed to the grade of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her work in journalism.

2009: Anchor of CNN Interview Program

From 2009 to 2010, Christiane Amanpour was the anchor of "Amanpour", a daily CNN interview program, where she continued to report on global issues and interview prominent figures.

March 2010: Leaves CNN for ABC News

On March 18, 2010, Christiane Amanpour announced she would leave CNN for ABC News, where she would anchor This Week.

August 2010: First Broadcast on ABC's This Week

On August 1, 2010, Christiane Amanpour hosted her first broadcast on ABC's "This Week", marking her debut as the anchor of the program.

2010: End of Tenure as CNN's Chief International Correspondent

In 2010, Christiane Amanpour concluded her tenure as CNN's chief international correspondent, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career at the network.

February 2011: Interview with Muammar Gaddafi and Sons

In February 2011, Christiane Amanpour interviewed Muammar Gaddafi and his sons Saif al-Islam and Al-Saadi Gaddafi, securing a significant interview with the Libyan leader and his family.

December 2011: Leaves ABC News' This Week

On December 13, 2011, ABC announced that Christiane Amanpour would be leaving her post as anchor of ABC News' "This Week" on January 8, 2012.

December 2011: Arrangement to Host Program on CNN International

On December 14, 2011, it was announced that Christiane Amanpour would begin hosting a program on CNN International in 2012, while continuing at ABC News as a global affairs anchor, in a "unique arrangement".

January 2012: Returns to CNN International

On January 8, 2012, Christiane Amanpour officially left her role at ABC News' "This Week" and returned to CNN International, where she had previously worked for 27 years.

2012: Begins Hosting Program on CNN International

In 2012, Christiane Amanpour began hosting a program on CNN International while continuing her role at ABC News as a global affairs anchor, under a special agreement between the two networks.

2012: Return to CNN International Line-Up

In the spring of 2012, CNN International refreshed its line-up by putting the interview show "Amanpour" back on air. The show meant that Piers Morgan Tonight would be bumped out of its 9:00 p.m. CET slot.

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September 2013: Show Moved to London

On September 9, 2013, the show and staff for Christiane Amanpour's program were moved to the CNN International office in London, where the show is currently produced and broadcast.

April 2015: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

In April 2015 Christiane Amanpour became a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and journalist safety.

May 2018: Replaces Charlie Rose on PBS

In May 2018, it was announced that Christiane Amanpour would permanently replace Charlie Rose on PBS after he was fired due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

September 2018: Premiere of Amanpour & Company on PBS

On September 10, 2018, Christiane Amanpour's new program, Amanpour & Company, premiered on PBS, marking her official start as the host of the show replacing Charlie Rose.

2020: Hosts Amanpour & Company from Home

In 2020, Christiane Amanpour hosted the PBS daily program Amanpour & Company from her home in England due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to the challenges posed by the global health crisis.