CBS News is grappling with a severe financial crisis, with its flagship morning programme haemorrhaging millions as it struggles to compete against rival networks, a new report has revealed.
The network's centrepiece show, 'CBS Mornings' – co-anchored by veteran broadcaster Gayle King – is at the heart of the turmoil. Internal figures expose catastrophic losses of nearly $30 million in just the second quarter of this year, painting a bleak picture of its performance.
A Deep Dive into the Numbers
The financial woes are directly linked to a dramatic plunge in viewership. Despite a star-studded lineup featuring King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil, the programme consistently trails far behind its competitors. For over a decade, 'CBS Mornings' and its predecessors have failed to secure a victory in the key advertising demographic, a critical metric for broadcasters.
This ratings slump has had a direct and devastating impact on advertising revenue. The report indicates that the show's inability to attract a large, consistent audience has made it a tough sell for advertisers, leading to a significant budget shortfall.
Mounting Pressure and Internal Scrutiny
The immense financial pressure is reportedly causing significant strain within the network's parent company, Paramount Global. The news division's poor performance is being scrutinised as executives seek solutions to stem the heavy losses.
While 'CBS Mornings' is a primary concern, the financial distress is not isolated. The report suggests the news division's challenges are contributing to wider difficulties for Paramount, which is navigating a complex and competitive media landscape.
This situation places a spotlight on the immense pressure facing traditional broadcast news. As audiences fragment and migrate to digital platforms, established networks like CBS are fighting an uphill battle to maintain relevance and profitability.
