*Gayle King is reportedly set to depart her role on “CBS Mornings” next year, according to sources familiar with the matter. Industry insiders suggest King could transition to a new position within CBS News as the network navigates changes under the Paramount-Skydance regime.
King’s current contract runs through May 2026, and CBS is reportedly interested in retaining her with the possibility of producing her own programming. The shift comes amid a broader shake-up at CBS News, where Paramount is laying off dozens of staffers and hundreds more across the company as part of its $8 billion merger with Skydance. Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and newly named CBS News editor-in-chief, is expected to play a key role in decisions about King’s future.
A CBS News spokesperson told Variety, “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.”
According to PEOPLE, CBS is denying Variety’s report. “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a CBS News spokesperson said. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
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Speculation over King’s future has intensified as the network seeks to cut $2 billion in costs under new CEO David Ellison, and with “CBS Mornings” ratings under pressure. A network insider told The Independent, “There’s always speculation about her inflated salary and entourage,” noting that King’s $10 million-a-year compensation is under scrutiny amid broader corporate changes.
On October 29, Paramount cut 1,000 jobs across the company, affecting CBS News staff. Among those impacted were CBS Saturday Morning co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, as well as correspondents and contributors Lisa Ling, Debora Patta, Janet Shamlian, Nancy Chen, and Nikki Battiste, according to The Los Angeles Times.
King joined CBS News in November 2011 and launched “CBS This Morning” the following January. The show was later rebranded as “CBS Mornings.”
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