Christiane Amanpour (b. 1958). British Iranian journalist and television host who has been a prominent figure in international reporting for several decades. [Luce Index™ score: 95]
As CNN‘s chief international anchor and host of the network’s award-winning global affairs program, Amanpour has covered major conflicts and interviewed numerous world leaders throughout her distinguished career. Known for her fearless reporting from war zones and her hard-hitting interview style, Amanpour has become one of the most respected and recognizable journalists in broadcasting.
Born in London and raised in Tehran, Christiane Amanpour began her career at CNN in 1983 as an entry-level assistant at the network’s international desk in Atlanta. Her breakthrough came during the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, where her reporting from Iraq established her reputation for courage under fire.
Amanpour’s consistent willingness to report from dangerous conflict zones—including Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and many others—has made her a defining voice in war reporting. Her coverage of the Bosnian War and genocide was particularly acclaimed and helped bring international attention to the humanitarian crisis.
Throughout her career, Amanpour has conducted interviews with many significant world leaders and historical figures, including Muammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Hassan Rouhani, Mohammad Khatami, the Dalai Lama, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, Hamid Karzai, Bashar al-Assad, Vladimir Putin, and numerous others. These conversations have often made headlines for their directness and challenging nature, with Amanpour known for asking difficult questions that other journalists might avoid.
Amanpour’s professional journey has included significant roles beyond CNN. She served as a global affairs anchor for ABC News from 2010 to 2012, where she hosted “This Week.” She has also hosted “Amanpour” on CNN International since 2009, and later “Amanpour & Company,” a joint production with PBS. Her documentaries, including “God’s Warriors” and “Generation Islam,” have explored religious extremism and complex geopolitical issues around the world.
For her decades of groundbreaking journalism, Amanpour has received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and several honorary doctoral degrees. She was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in 2018 and has been recognized by organizations worldwide for her contributions to journalism and international understanding.
Beyond her reporting, Amanpour has been an outspoken advocate for press freedom and journalistic integrity. She has frequently spoken about the dangers of “false equivalence” in reporting and the importance of pursuing truth rather than artificial balance. In 2018, Amanpour took on the role of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety, using her platform to champion press freedom globally.
Amanpour has been married to former U.S. State Department spokesman James Rubin, with whom she has a son. She has been open about her battle with ovarian cancer, which she announced publicly in 2021, using her diagnosis to encourage women to seek regular medical care and screening.
Today, Christiane Amanpour continues to be a leading voice in international journalism, bringing attention to humanitarian crises and geopolitical developments with the same tenacity that has defined her career for nearly four decades.