CBS News Leadership Considers Drastic Salary Reduction for Veteran Anchor
Bari Weiss, the recently appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, is reportedly planning significant changes to veteran anchor Gayle King's role and compensation package. According to multiple sources speaking to the New York Post and Variety, Weiss is considering cutting King's substantial salary by approximately half as part of broader restructuring efforts at the network.
Contract Negotiations and Financial Considerations
Gayle King, who has been a prominent face at CBS News since 2011 and co-host of CBS Mornings since its inception the following year, currently earns between $13 million and $15 million annually according to various reports. Insiders have indicated that the 71-year-old anchor is now viewed as "too expensive" within the network's current financial framework.
King's contract is scheduled to expire in May, and sources previously told the Daily Mail in August that renewal was "most likely" not forthcoming under the previous leadership structure. However, Weiss appears to be offering alternative pathways for King to remain with the organization, albeit at significantly reduced compensation levels.
Alternative Roles Under Consideration
Despite the proposed salary reduction, Weiss reportedly values King's professional abilities and is offering multiple alternative positions to keep her within the CBS News family. According to sources speaking to both the Post and Variety, these options include:
- A special correspondent role that would allow King to make occasional appearances on CBS News programming
- A one-year extension of her CBS Mornings position at a substantially lower salary
King is said to be considering these options as she contemplates her future with the network. Weiss reportedly respects King's skill in securing high-profile interviews and her ability to connect with celebrity guests, factors that contribute to her continued value despite the proposed financial adjustments.
Leadership Transition and Organizational Changes
Bari Weiss, 41, assumed leadership of CBS News in October following Paramount's merger with Skydance in August. The former opinion journalist, who founded The Free Press, has no previous experience leading a major news organization, a fact that has drawn attention during her initial months in the position.
Weiss's tenure has already seen several notable developments, including the hiring of former ABC journalist Matt Gutman as chief reporter and the controversial cancellation of a planned 60 Minutes segment about conditions at a Salvadoran prison where the Trump administration sent suspected illegal immigrants. Additionally, a town hall event with Erika Kirk last month reportedly delivered disappointing ratings.
Broader Network Restructuring
The potential changes to King's role form part of a broader reconsideration of CBS News's operations under Weiss's leadership. Sources indicate that Weiss is also contemplating significant modifications to the network's streaming service, with potential emphasis shifting toward talk-heavy podcast formats.
The two women reportedly met earlier this month to discuss King's future with the network, according to Page Six. Meanwhile, King's former co-host Tony Dokoupil has recently been elevated to host CBS Evening News, indicating ongoing personnel adjustments within the organization.
As negotiations continue and King's contract expiration approaches in May, the veteran anchor's future at CBS News remains uncertain, with financial considerations and role redefinition at the heart of discussions between the established broadcaster and the network's new leadership.
