Sara Sidner

Sara Sidner is a journalist and co-anchor of "CNN News Central," which airs weekdays from CNN's New York City Bureau. Sidner also serves as CNN's senior national correspondent, covering major national and international news stories. Her career in broadcast journalism spans more than two decades, with experience reporting from local newsrooms to significant global events.

Before joining CNN, Sidner worked as an anchor and reporter at local television news stations in San Francisco, Dallas, Florida, and Missouri. During this period, she received several industry honors, including a regional Emmy Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Telly Awards. Sidner earned a journalism degree from the University of Florida, where she was named an Alumni of Distinction and inducted into the College of Journalism and Communications Hall of Fame. She began her tenure at CNN as an international correspondent, with assignments in Abu Dhabi, Jerusalem, and New Delhi. Early in her international reporting, Sidner covered the Mumbai terrorist attacks, providing live coverage throughout the 60-hour siege at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel.

Sidner contributed to CNN's team coverage of the Arab Spring, which received a Peabody Award. She was recognized with an Emmy Award for outstanding live coverage of the Egyptian Revolution, specifically the breaking news of President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. In the United States, Sidner has reported on social, racial, and political conflict, including coverage of the Charlottesville White Nationalist Rally, the trial related to the killing of Heather Heyer, and the protests in Ferguson, Missouri following the police killing of Michael Brown. She also led CNN's coverage in Minneapolis during the protests after the death of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin. Over her career, Sidner has received a Peabody Award, two Emmys, two Asian Television Awards, two Alliance for Women in Media Gracie Awards, an NABJ Award, several Telly Awards, and an Edward R. Murrow Award.

Sidner publicly shared her diagnosis of stage III breast cancer during a broadcast, using her platform to advocate for public health awareness. She documented her experiences with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation on social media, aiming to provide information and support, particularly for women of color who face higher risks of advanced diagnoses. Sidner completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 25 rounds of radiation. She returned to her role as co-anchor of "CNN News Central" after her treatment, continuing her work in television news and public health advocacy.