Decorated CNN journalist Amara Walker stepped down from her weekend morning anchor role just days after claiming Emmy recognition for her reporting on the Israel-Hamas war. Her unexpected departure on February 6, 2025, from “CNN This Morning Weekend” has created a stir in broadcast news circles, particularly given its timing so close to her prestigious award win.
In a significant career shift, Walker announced her departure from television news, framing it as an opportunity arising from industry changes. Rather than continuing with the demanding schedule of breaking news coverage, she expressed enthusiasm about pursuing unexplored professional ambitions, noting that “I have other professional goals that I haven’t been able to pursue given my full-time commitment to a breaking news TV schedule.” Walker appeared optimistic about her future endeavors and the new possibilities ahead.
Walker’s unexpected exit comes after a decade-long stint at CNN. She co-anchored “CNN This Morning Weekend” with Victor Blackwell and hosted “CNN Newsroom” on CNN Max on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 a.m. She started her career at CNN International in 2013. She gained early recognition for her coverage of the Manchester Arena bombing during an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
While at CNN, Walker reported on several significant global events, including the Venezuelan crisis, the Hong Kong protests, the Notre Dame fire in Paris, and the Ottawa shootings. She also extensively covered domestic stories, such as the Atlanta spa massacre, the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and Donald Trump’s allegations of election fraud in Georgia.
Amara Walker reflected on her decade-long career at CNN, highlighting her versatile role across multiple CNN platforms – the leading network, International division, and CNN Max streaming service. Her tenure was capped with an Emmy win, which she cited as a fitting milestone before announcing her departure from the network.
Walker’s departure follows significant changes at CNN under CEO Mark Thompson, who joined in 2023 and recently revealed an immediate cut of 200 TV personnel. This came on the heels of about 100 job cuts last summer as the network transitioned towards digital media. The network has experienced several high-profile exits, including Jim Acosta after 18 years and Chris Wallace due to a reduced salary offer. Julia Chatterley, the anchor of “First Move” on CNN International, also announced her departure after a six-year tenure.
Jeff McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the recent turbulence at CNN and its impact on the network’s image. “Right now, you think of their brand as in decline. The layoffs; that’s a problem. And it looks really bad when you lose libel suits,” McCall stated.
A spokesperson for CNN acknowledged Walker’s impactful career and surprising exit, lauding her decade-long contributions to the network. They highlighted her pivotal role in reporting significant breaking news events as an anchor and a field reporter covering essential developments across the U.S. The network emphasized her commitment, professionalism, and journalistic acumen, describing her as a highly valued and deeply respected colleague whose work significantly influenced CNN.
CNN faces a hosting gap after Walker’s departure, with no announced replacement for their weekend programming blocks. While Victor Blackwell remains with the network, the situation reflects broader changes under CEO Thompson’s leadership as CNN focuses on digital platforms.