Stephanie Elam is signing off from CNN for the last time.
“For more than 20 years I’ve been in the CNN orbit developing and delivering news stories on everything from the environment and entertainment to business and breaking news of all kinds,” Elam, 52, began her statement on Monday, April 20. “I’m so proud of my CNN career.”
The TV personality recalled her many duties over the years, revealing how much of an honor it has been to cover the news. “Live or taped, writing packages or doing a show-and-tell, I’ve done it all — and having a front row seat to document history has been a gift,” she added.
Prior to her exit, Elam worked as a Los Angeles-based correspondent. She previously served as a business news correspondent for the media organization based in New York, where she also reported for HLN and CNN International. She went to work at KNBC for a few years and then returned to CNN in 2013, where she has remained since.
Elam covered the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, Michael Jackson and Prince’s deaths and rang in the new year alongside Love Island USA host Ariana Madix. “Ariana and I agree … dancing is amazing! Such a great way to bring in 2026,” she captioned an Instagram post on January 1.
Prior to launching her career in media, Elam graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism.
In Elam’s final segment, longtime colleague and friend Sara Snider bid her farewell while acknowledging the close bond they formed on and off the screen.
“Stephanie, I know you have some news of your own — you are leaving us,” Snider, 53, said on Saturday, April 18. “Everyone here is sad to see it. From your exuberant coverage of the eclipse to the difficult coverage of the fires and the protests that we have been in together.”
“I want to say thank you for being my friend,” she continued, “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.”
CNN also released a statement of its own, thanking Elam for her contributions.
“Stephanie brought clarity, credibility and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN,” the outlet shared. “Her versatility and natural ability to connect with audiences made her a trusted voice and a valued colleague. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her continued success in her next chapter.”
