CBS News has officially confirmed that Gayle King has signed a new contract to remain with CBS Mornings, putting an end to months of intense speculation about her future at the network. The announcement was made by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, who shared the news on social media platform X on Wednesday.
Ending Rumors and Speculation
In her post, Weiss included a direct quote from King, who triumphantly stated to The Wall Street Journal that 'rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated.' King further emphasized her loyalty to CBS News, declaring, 'CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission.' The anchor has been a fixture on CBS Mornings since its inception in 2011, building a strong reputation as a trusted voice in morning television.
Contract Details and Negotiations
While the specific terms of the new deal were not disclosed by CBS, it comes after King's previous contract, valued at an estimated $15 million per year, was set to expire in May. Sources close to the negotiations revealed to Variety that discussions had been ongoing for some time, with Weiss initially considering cost-cutting measures. According to reports, Weiss viewed King as a valuable but expensive asset, leading to proposals that included offering the host a lower salary for a one-year extension.
King expressed her enthusiasm about the renewal, stating, 'I’m excited about continuing at "CBS Mornings." As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go.' She added, 'It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.' These remarks appear to reference the lengthy and private contract talks, as well as the evolving landscape at CBS News under Weiss's leadership.
Background and Network Changes
The confirmation follows earlier reports that cast doubt on King's future with the network. In August, a CBS source told the Daily Mail that King's contract would 'most likely' not be renewed when Weiss assumed control. Weiss's tenure began with significant restructuring, including layoffs of over 1,000 staff members in October, as part of efforts to streamline operations. Despite these changes, Weiss extended an olive branch to King, exploring options to retain her on air, albeit potentially at a reduced cost.
The Daily Mail has reached out to CBS News for further comment on the deal, but no additional details have been provided at this time. This story continues to develop, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
