Career Timeline of Christiane Amanpour: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

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, currently serving as the Chief International Anchor for CNN. She hosts several programs, including CNN International's nightly interview program "Amanpour," "The Amanpour Hour" on CNN, and "Amanpour & Company" on PBS. Additionally, she co-hosts "Christiane Amanpour Presents The Ex-Files" with her former husband. Known for her fearless reporting and in-depth interviews with global leaders, Amanpour has established herself as a leading voice in international news.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1983: Graduation from University

In 1983, Christiane Amanpour graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island.

1983: Hired by CNN

In 1983, Christiane Amanpour was hired by CNN as an entry-level desk assistant in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the start of her career with the news network.

1986: Served as CNN Correspondent in New York

By 1986, Christiane Amanpour served as a correspondent for CNN's New York bureau. During her early years, she covered the Iran-Iraq War and later reported on the fall of European communism.

1989: Assigned to Frankfurt am Main

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

1990: Reports of Persian Gulf War

In 1990, Christiane Amanpour's reports on the Persian Gulf War following Iraq's occupation of Kuwait brought her wide notice, marking a significant moment in her career.

1992: CNN's Chief International Correspondent

From 1992, Christiane Amanpour served as CNN's Chief International Correspondent, a role she held until 2010, covering major global crises and interviewing world leaders.

1996: Contracted by 60 Minutes

In 1996, Christiane Amanpour was contracted by Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes, to file four to five in-depth international news reports per year as a special contributor.

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2005: Contract with 60 Minutes terminated

In 2005, Jeff Fager, Don Hewitt's successor, terminated Christiane Amanpour's contract with 60 Minutes.

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2009: Anchor of CNN interview program 'Amanpour'

From 2009 to 2010, Christiane Amanpour was the anchor of 'Amanpour', a daily CNN interview program.

March 2010: Announcement of Joining ABC News

On 18 March 2010, Christiane Amanpour announced she would leave CNN for ABC News, where she would anchor This Week. She expressed excitement about joining the team and respect for CNN.

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August 2010: First Broadcast on ABC's 'This Week'

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

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

In 2010, Christiane Amanpour ended her tenure as CNN's Chief International Correspondent, after which she would join ABC News. During her time at CNN she covered events such as Hurricane Katrina and interviewed numerous world leaders.

February 2011: Interview with Muammar Gaddafi

In February 2011, Christiane Amanpour interviewed Muammar Gaddafi and his sons Saif al-Islam and Al-Saadi Gaddafi, marking a notable interview during her time with ABC News.

December 2011: Departure from 'This Week' Announced

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

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December 2011: Announcement of 'Unique Arrangement' with CNN International

On 14 December 2011, a day after the announcement that Christiane Amanpour would be leaving her post as anchor of ABC News' This Week, ABC and CNN announced a "unique arrangement" where Amanpour would begin hosting a program on CNN International in 2012 while continuing at ABC News as a global affairs anchor.

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January 2012: Departure from 'This Week'

On 8 January 2012, Christiane Amanpour left her post as anchor of ABC News' This Week, and returned to CNN International, where she had previously worked for 27 years.

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2012: Hosting program on CNN International

In 2012, Christiane Amanpour began hosting a program on CNN International while continuing at ABC News as a global affairs anchor.

2012: CNN International Refreshed Line-Up

In the spring of 2012, CNN International refreshed its line-up, putting the interview show Amanpour back on air. She returned to CNN International on 16 April.

September 2013: Move to CNN International Office in London

On 9 September 2013, Christiane Amanpour's show and staff were moved to the CNN International office, and the show has been produced and broadcast from London since then.

April 2015: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Since April 2015, Christiane Amanpour has served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and journalist safety.

May 2018: Replacement of Charlie Rose on PBS

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

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September 2018: Premiere of Amanpour & Company on PBS

On 10 September 2018, Christiane Amanpour's new program, Amanpour & Company, premiered on PBS.

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2020: Hosting 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.

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September 2022: Interview termination with Ebrahim Raisi

In September 2022, Christiane Amanpour terminated a scheduled TV interview with former President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi in New York City during the seventy-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly, following a last–minute demand that she wear a Chador headscarf while filming.