Stephanie Elam, a seasoned correspondent who has been a staple at CNN for over two decades, has bid farewell to the network. In an emotional sign-off, Elam reflected on a career that she describes as having taken her to every corner of the globe.
“For more than 20 years, I’ve been part of the CNN family, crafting and delivering news stories spanning the environment, entertainment, business, and breaking news of all types,” Elam expressed in her parting statement.
“I take immense pride in my career at CNN. Whether live or recorded, writing packages, or presenting stories, I’ve had the privilege of doing it all. Witnessing history unfold from the front row has truly been a gift,” she added.
Elam’s departure signals the end of an era at the network, where she became a well-recognized figure, reporting from Los Angeles on a wide array of topics from natural disasters to celebrity passings and economic developments.
During her heartfelt on-air farewell, Elam was joined by her colleague Sara Sidner, who not only acknowledged Elam’s contributions as a journalist but also celebrated their personal bond.
“I want to thank you for being my friend, for supporting me through cancer, and for being like a sister to me,” Sidner said in a touching segment that was shared online.
‘You have been a sister to me. CNN may have brought us together, but ain’t nothing gonna tear us apart.’
Elam looked visibly moved by her friend’s glowing tribute.
Stephanie Elam is leaving CNN after more than 20 years across two stints at the network
Her departure also saw an emotional on-air goodbye with her colleague Sara Sidner, left, who praised Elam not just as a journalist but as a close friend
Elam first joined CNN in the early 2000s and returned in 2013 after a brief period working at KNBC in Los Angeles
‘You’re not getting rid of me, I love you,’ she said. ‘Tell everyone there, every stage manager, everyone there, I love you guys. It’s been a joy working with you all.’
Her colleagues Jake Tapper also delivered a pointed and personal farewell to Elam on-air, recalling some of her most demanding assignments in the field.
‘I first met you covering the tornadoes in Oklahoma, 2013 or 2014. And I saw you in Ferguson. You and Sidner were just like two of the gutsiest reporters I’d ever seen during all that craziness,’ Tapper said, referencing her reporting during both natural disasters and civil unrest.
He went on to acknowledge her departure more directly, telling her: ‘We’re really gonna miss you.’
‘I do not know what’s going on. But when I take over the company, I will bring you back,’ he joked.
CNN, in a statement, praised her tenure in similarly glowing terms.
‘Stephanie brought clarity, credibility, and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN,’ the network said.
‘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.’
Elam worked alongside prominent CNN figures over the years, including former anchor Don Lemon, during her long tenure at the network. The pair are pictured together earlier this year
CNN said Elam brought ‘clarity, credibility, and heart’ to her reporting over two decades
CNN colleagues have praised working with Elam. Pictured, from left, CNN journalists Elie Honig, Sara Sidner, Stephanie Elam and Jake Tapper having dinner together in Washington D.C.
Elam’s career at CNN saw her joining the network in the early 2000s, working as a business correspondent based in New York broadcasting on CNN International and HLN.
During that time, she reported on major financial developments and breaking news, including the death of Michael Jackson.
After a brief stint away from the network at KNBC in Los Angeles, she returned to CNN in 2013, this time as an LA-based correspondent.
In the years that followed, she covered high-profile events including the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano and the death of the pop star Prince.
She also covered red carpet events, public health crises, and national breaking news.
Her journalism career began long before CNN, starting at Dow Jones Newswires as a copy editor in 1995 before moving into reporting roles covering corporate earnings and financial markets.
She went on to anchor business programs and contributed to nationally syndicated shows focusing on finance.
