Gayle King, a familiar face on CBS News for over a decade, is likely to leave her anchor position on the morning show next year. Sources suggest she may take on a different role as CBS navigates significant changes under the new Paramount Skydance leadership.
Her current contract runs through May. CBS seems eager to keep King involved, possibly allowing her to produce her own content. Recently, Norah O’Donnell stepped down from “CBS Evening News” to become a senior correspondent, highlighting the shifting dynamics at CBS.
As Paramount makes cuts across the company, King’s departure would add her to a list of high-profile exits amid corporate restructuring. This shift comes as CBS’s new owners are looking to reshape the network’s direction, distancing from a perceived liberal bias. Bari Weiss, who recently became CBS News’ editor in chief, faces the challenge of modernizing the network’s content.
In response to inquiries about King’s future, CBS stated that no discussions regarding her contract have occurred. King’s attorney did not comment on the situation.
Under the Ellison-led regime, CBS has made notable changes, including the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and the overhaul of its Saturday morning program. This shake-up also involved the departure of several prominent figures, including John Dickerson and Michelle Miller.
Moving King could be risky. Morning shows thrive on viewer connections with hosts. If King is perceived as having been pushed out, audiences might flock to rivals like NBC’s “Today” or ABC’s “Good Morning America.” History shows that viewers might resist perceived shifts; for example, when Ann Curry was ousted from “Today,” the show struggled to recover its audience.
Currently, “CBS Mornings” has had an average of about 1.8 million viewers, trailing behind ABC and NBC. This competition is fierce, with “Good Morning America” drawing nearly 2.71 million viewers and “Today” slightly behind. CBS hopes to attract a broader audience with Weiss’s leadership.
King joined CBS in 2011 and helped elevate morning programming with “CBS This Morning.” She has been involved in significant moments, like her gripping interview with R. Kelly, showcasing her resilience in challenging situations. Earlier this year, she even traveled to space with an all-female crew on a Blue Origin flight.
As the media landscape shifts towards streaming and digital content, many traditional news outlets are reevaluating their anchor positions. Veteran journalists at various networks are finding themselves in roles that offer less screen time while trying to maintain a connection with audiences.
With her history of impactful interviews and strong connections in the industry, King’s next steps will be closely watched as CBS attempts to navigate this transitional period.
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