Amara Walker, co-host of “CNN This Morning Weekend,” sent shockwaves through the broadcasting world with her sudden resignation announcement on Thursday, February 6, 2025. The news comes just weeks after her Emmy Award victory for her live coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In her resignation statement, Walker expressed, “I’ve decided to seize on this moment of change in our industry and take a hiatus from TV news. I have other professional goals that I haven’t been able to pursue given my full-time commitment to a breaking news TV schedule. I’m excited about all that is to come and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Walker’s sudden exit ends her decade-long career with CNN, during which she co-hosted “CNN This Morning Weekend” alongside Victor Blackwell and presented “CNN Newsroom” on CNN Max on Monday and Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. Her career at CNN International kick-started in 2013. She gained early acclaim for her coverage of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during an Ariana Grande concert, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
During her tenure at CNN, Walker reported on numerous key global events, such as the Venezuelan crisis, the heated Hong Kong protests, the Notre Dame fire in Paris, and the Ottawa shootings. Her domestic reporting included comprehensive coverage of the Atlanta spa massacre, the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and Donald Trump’s allegations of election fraud in Georgia.
Reflecting on her career, Walker shared, “In my 10 years with CNN, I’ve had the privilege of working on nearly all of its platforms, as an anchor for CNN, CNN International, and CNN Max, and also as a correspondent. Winning an Emmy Award recently was the icing on the cake. I felt this is the right time to take this step.”
Walker’s departure coincides with the network’s significant shake-up under CEO Mark Thompson, who assumed his role in 2023 and recently announced a reduction of 200 employees from the TV division. This follows the dismissal of about 100 employees last summer as CNN shifts its focus towards digital media. The network has witnessed a series of high-profile exits, including long-serving journalist Jim Acosta and Chris Wallace, who left after a salary cut from his reported $7 million annual compensation. Julia Chatterley, the anchor of “First Move” on CNN International, also announced her departure after over six years with CNN.
According to Jeff McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, the recent turbulence at CNN has marred its 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 commented.
A spokesperson for CNN acknowledged Walker’s contribution and expressed regret at her sudden departure. They praised her decade-long service and her role as a key player in covering major news events, both as an anchor and a field reporter. They described her as a dedicated, professional, and respected colleague whose work significantly impacted CNN.
There is yet to be an announcement on who will fill Walker’s roles on “CNN This Morning Weekend” and “CNN Newsroom.” Victor Blackwell will continue with the network. The sweeping changes continue as Thompson drives CNN’s transition towards digital platforms, marking a significant shift in the network’s news delivery strategy.
