CNN’s Christiane Amanpour debuted a new show on the cable news giant over the weekend, as part of a revamp of the network’s programming after the high-profile departure of Chris Licht earlier this year.
Amanpour says she noticed her diminishing presence on CNN, being relegated mostly to CNN International in recent years, and is relishing the opportunity to appear in front of a broader audience.
“I have always believed, ever since I started as a foreign correspondent at CNN, that the American audience wants to hear about the world,” she told The Associated Press. “I’ve never believed that things are too complicated to put on American television. I’ve never talked down to an audience. I’ve never believed that they just want to know what’s happening in their backyard.”
Christiane Amanpour — who recently celebrated her 40th anniversary at CNN — pointed to the recent conflicts between Hamas and Israel, as well as the war in Ukraine, as evidence Americans are interested in news abroad.
The 65-year-old raised eyebrows earlier this year when she publicly criticized her network for its involvement with former President Donald Trump for a town hall event. She believes she acted appropriately.
“I believe I did the right thing,” she said. “When you achieve a certain position in your life and your career, not only are you able, but you have a duty to speak up,” she said. “I take that very seriously. That’s my responsibility.”
