Gayle King, a prominent figure in morning television and the face of CBS News’ morning show for over a decade, is anticipated to leave her anchoring role next year. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that King may transition to a different position within the news division, which is undergoing substantial changes under the new Paramount Skydance management.
King’s current contract is set to expire in May, and there are indications that CBS would prefer to retain her within the news division. This could potentially lead to a new deal that allows her to produce her own programming for the network. The landscape of CBS News is shifting, especially following the departure of Norah O’Donnell, who stepped down from her role as anchor of “CBS Evening News” in January and now serves as a senior correspondent.
As CBS navigates these changes, it is also parting ways with numerous staff members, reflecting broader trends in the media industry. The negotiations surrounding King’s future come at a time when Paramount is severing ties with dozens of employees at CBS News and hundreds across the larger company. This shift is part of a strategic move by the new ownership under the Ellison family, who aim to adjust CBS News' content away from what they perceive as a liberal bias.
Earlier this month, Bari Weiss, a digital entrepreneur known for founding the conservative opinion site The Free Press, was appointed as the editor-in-chief of CBS News. King’s future in the division is one of the pressing matters that Weiss will need to address, especially as CBS News faces scrutiny over its programming direction.
In response to inquiries from Variety regarding King’s status at “CBS Mornings,” a CBS News spokesperson stated, “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026. She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.” King’s attorney, Lawrence Shire of Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, has yet to respond to multiple requests for comments.
The shift in leadership at CBS has resulted in significant changes, including the cancellation of its flagship late-night show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which will conclude in May. Additionally, the network is parting ways with John Dickerson, a co-anchor of “CBS Evening News.” Recently, CBS News announced an overhaul of its Saturday morning program, resulting in the departure of co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, as well as show executive producer Brian Applegate.
Transitioning King from her current role may pose significant risks, particularly because morning television relies heavily on the relationships that viewers form with its hosts. If audiences perceive that King was pushed out without a valid reason, they may turn to competing programs like NBC’s “Today” or ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Historical examples, such as the backlash against Deborah Norville and Ann Curry, demonstrate the potential pitfalls of such moves.
Despite the changes, CBS’s morning programs have consistently lagged behind competitors, securing third place after NBC and ABC. According to Nielsen data, “CBS Mornings” attracted an average of just 1.8 million viewers during the week ending October 20, while ABC's “Good Morning America” drew nearly 2.71 million and NBC’s “Today” garnered about 2.69 million viewers.
Under the leadership of CEO David Ellison, CBS aims to revitalize its programming and engage a broader audience. King, who joined CBS News in November 2011 and has been a fixture in morning television for 14 years, has contributed significantly to program development. She initially gained traction with “CBS This Morning,” co-hosting alongside Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell.
Throughout her tenure, King has created numerous landmark moments. Notably, in 2019, she gained widespread acclaim for her interview with R. Kelly, maintaining her composure as he reacted dramatically to the charges against him. Earlier this year, King made headlines again by participating in a Blue Origin flight alongside an all-female crew, underscoring her commitment to groundbreaking journalism.
As CBS News continues to evolve, the fate of Gayle King remains a pivotal issue. With ongoing changes in the media landscape, her future will undoubtedly shape not only her career but also the direction of CBS News as a whole.
