Gayle King is expected to conclude her 15-year run on CBS Mornings amid major shakeups at the network. The news comes in light of Paramount’s merger with Skydance, which has led to layoffs across CBS News. As the network undergoes restructuring, insiders suggest that CBS Mornings itself may be at risk of cancellation. The ownership shift and recent changes could make King the latest high-profile talent to depart the network.
Gayle King reported to depart as anchor of CBS Mornings
Variety is the first one to report that King is expected to exit CBS Mornings as an anchor. Her contract is set to expire in May 2026. However, it remains unclear if she could depart the network entirely or will be kept on board to develop her own programming at the network. The news of her departure follows the recent ownership shift from the Redstones to the Ellisons, who are reportedly aiming to shift CBS’s coverage.
A CBS News spokesperson said that it is unclear whether Gayle is leaving or staying at the company. They mentioned that her future at the network remains undiscussed. “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,” they explained.
Bari Weiss, founder of the media company Free Press, is the new editor-in-chief at CBS News. According to insiders, CBS Mornings and the CBS Evening News might get canceled amid the shakeups. Meanwhile, CBS Saturday Morning might not face cancellation but could undergo significant changes.
This latest shift has also led to redundancies at CBS News. Paramount CEO David Ellison addressed the staff earlier, saying, “In some areas, we are addressing redundancies that have emerged across the organization. In others, we are phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities and the new structure [is] designed to strengthen our focus on growth. Ultimately, these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success.” (via The Hollywood Reporter)
