Amara Walker’s Shocking Exit from CNN: What’s Next for the Emmy-Winning Journalist?

In a dramatic shift that has stunned the journalism world, Amara Walker, one of CNN’s most respected anchors and correspondents, announced her departure from the network in February 2025. After more than a decade with CNN International, Walker’s exit has left fans, colleagues, and industry insiders alike questioning what’s next for this trailblazing journalist. Known for her impactful coverage of major global events—such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Atlanta spa massacre—Walker has carved out a legacy as a voice for truth and diversity. Now, with her future in limbo, many are eager to know how this highly accomplished journalist will pivot next.

A Star Rises in Journalism

Born Amara Sohn-Walker on November 30, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Walker was immersed in a multicultural environment that would shape her professional journey. Of Korean-American descent, she has often incorporated her heritage into her storytelling, making her one of the most compelling and relatable voices in journalism today. After earning a double degree in broadcast journalism and political science from the University of Southern California in 2003, Walker quickly rose through the ranks of TV news, starting her career at KMIR-TV in Palm Springs. From there, she moved to WTVJ in Miami, and later to WFLD in Chicago in 2012, where her reporting skills began to shine.

However, it was her 2013 move to CNN International that catapulted Walker to global recognition. There, she became a familiar face on the network, co-anchoring CNN Today from 2015 to 2020, and later taking the helm of CNN This Morning Weekend alongside Victor Blackwell. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether reporting on breaking news or delving into more complex issues, helped her build a loyal following.

Her coverage of critical events—like the 2021 Atlanta spa massacre and the 2020 U.S. election fallout—earned her widespread acclaim. In particular, her reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict was praised for its clarity and empathy, culminating in an Emmy Award that solidified her status as one of the top journalists in the industry.

A Voice for Change

Beyond her reporting, Walker’s personal experiences have also made her a powerful advocate for issues like diversity, representation, and equality. As a Korean-American woman in a high-profile industry, Walker has been candid about her struggles with identity, especially in light of the rising anti-Asian sentiment across the United States. In 2021, she shared a harrowing experience in which a passerby shouted a racist slur at her before a live broadcast. Instead of staying silent, Walker used her platform to speak out, penning a 2022 opinion piece about the increasing violence against Asian-American women and the need for more significant action.

Her advocacy didn’t stop there. Throughout her time at CNN, she championed the importance of diversity in journalism, often speaking out about the lack of representation in the media. During her farewell broadcast, Walker made a pointed call to her colleagues to “speak up,” which many saw as a nod to the ongoing challenges faced by women of color in the news industry. Though she didn’t elaborate on her personal struggles, the message resonated deeply with her viewers, who have long admired her candor and courage in addressing these issues head-on.

The Big Exit: Why Now?

Walker’s decision to leave CNN at the peak of her career came as a surprise to many. In her emotional farewell broadcast on CNN This Morning Weekend, Walker explained that the evolving media landscape was one of the key reasons for her departure. “The industry is evolving, and I want to take this moment to explore new passions,” she said. While her departure came as a shock, Walker emphasized her gratitude for the opportunities CNN had given her and her commitment to finding new ways to tell important stories.

But why leave now? Sources close to the situation speculate that Walker’s decision to exit at this juncture may have been driven by the broader upheaval in broadcast journalism. With the rise of streaming platforms and the shift toward digital-first content, many veterans in the industry are reconsidering their futures. Walker’s departure, while unexpected, is seen as a strategic move—one that opens up new opportunities in the rapidly changing media landscape.

What’s Next for Amara Walker?

The media world is buzzing with speculation about what’s next for Amara Walker. With her vast experience, on-screen charisma, and passion for storytelling, she’s poised for success in whatever venture she chooses to pursue. One potential avenue is documentary filmmaking, where her storytelling skills could thrive. Walker has demonstrated time and again that she has the ability to tackle complex subjects with sensitivity and insight—qualities that would make her an ideal candidate for long-form projects.

There is also growing speculation that Walker could take her talents to a streaming platform, where long-form journalism is increasingly in demand. With her established global following and reputation for nuanced political coverage, Walker could easily transition to a platform like Netflix or Amazon, where there is a growing appetite for diverse voices and hard-hitting documentaries.

Another possibility is that Walker could expand her reach through independent media. Given her commitment to advocacy and raising awareness on issues of racial inequality, it’s possible she could launch a new platform focused on social justice and underrepresented stories. Walker’s fluency in both Korean and Spanish also opens doors to international projects, giving her the opportunity to explore global issues through a cultural lens.

Though Walker has remained tight-lipped about her next steps, her track record suggests she will remain an influential force in media, regardless of which direction she takes. Fans are eager to see how she will continue to make an impact.

A Legacy of Impact

Amara Walker’s time at CNN was marked by significant moments that not only showcased her skills as a journalist but also her ability to connect with people. Her coverage of the 2021 Atlanta spa massacre, which targeted Asian-American women, was both professional and deeply personal, earning her praise from both her colleagues and viewers. Her reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict, where she managed to distill complex geopolitical issues into easily understandable segments, earned her an Emmy.

Yet, it is Walker’s off-screen moments that have truly set her apart. Her advocacy for Asian-American representation, her willingness to share her own experiences with prejudice, and her commitment to mentoring younger journalists have left a lasting legacy. Colleagues describe her as a “force of nature”—someone who combines fierce determination with genuine warmth. Her departure from CNN represents more than the end of an era; it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.

The Road Ahead

As Amara Walker steps into the unknown, one thing is clear: she is not done telling stories. Whether through digital media, documentaries, or other ventures, Walker has proven time and again that she is a journalist with purpose. Her career has been a masterclass in resilience, from her early days in local news to her rise as a global correspondent. Now, at 43, she is poised to carve out a new path for herself, one that will continue to shape the future of journalism.

For now, her fans can only wait—and reflect on the impact she’s already had. From breaking news to breaking barriers, Amara Walker has shown what it means to be a journalist with heart. As she said in her farewell, “This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a new chapter.” And if her past achievements are any indication, that chapter will be one worth watching.

Stay tuned as Amara Walker’s journey continues to unfold. With her unmatched talent and unwavering passion, the best is yet to come.