After Two Decades at CNN, Stephanie Elam Signs Off — Here’s What’s Next
Veteran CNN journalist Stephanie Elam, 52, is signing off for the last time after more than 20 years covering everything from the environment and entertainment to business and breaking news. She announced her farewell Monday.
Another familiar face is leaving CNN. Longtime correspondent Stephanie Elam is signing off after more than two decades with the network, and the goodbye came with both the expected highlight reel and a surprisingly personal on-air sendoff.
The announcement
Elam, 52, confirmed Monday, April 20, that she is wrapping up her CNN run. She looked back on a career that took her through environment, entertainment, business, and just about every flavor of breaking news. She has done it live, taped, writing packages, and the on-camera show-and-tell stuff — the whole toolbox. In short: she is proud of the work and grateful for the front-row view of big moments.
What Elam has covered (and where she has been)
Elam exited as a Los Angeles-based correspondent, but her CNN path zigzagged a bit. She first made her mark as a New York-based business news correspondent, also reporting for HLN and CNN International. She stepped away to work at KNBC for a few years, then returned to CNN in 2013 and has been there ever since. Before any of that, she graduated from Howard University with a BA in broadcast journalism.
- Reported on the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii
- Covered the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince
- Helped lead coverage of an eclipse, plus major wildfires and protests
- Rang in the new year on air with Love Island USA host Ariana Madix — and celebrated on Instagram that dancing into 2026 was a pretty great choice
The on-air goodbye
Elam actually got her farewell a couple of days before the formal announcement. During her final segment on Saturday, April 18, CNN anchor and close friend Sara Sidner, 53, said goodbye on air. The moment was less TV-polished and more real-life than these things usually are, including a thank-you for how Elam supported Sidner through her cancer battle.
"I want to say thank you for being my friend, helping me through cancer and being a sister, really. You have been a sister to me. CNN may have brought us together, but ain't nothing gonna tear us apart."
Sidner also shouted out Elam's range — from exuberant eclipse coverage to the hard, often grim reporting on fires and protests they handled side by side.
How CNN framed it
The network was effusive in its sendoff, praising her consistency and connection with viewers. Or, in their words:
"Stephanie brought clarity, credibility and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN."
They also highlighted her versatility and called her a trusted voice and a valued colleague, wishing her success in her next chapter.
Bottom line
Elam has been one of those steady, everywhere-at-once CNN presences — equally comfortable breaking down market stories, hiking into a volcano zone, or hopping into a New Year’s live shot with a reality TV star. After more than 20 years in the CNN orbit, she is closing this run on a high note. Where she turns up next is the only thing we do not know yet.