Gayle King, the veteran anchor of CBS Mornings, has confirmed that there is 'drama' at the network as speculation about her departure intensifies. The 70-year-old, who has hosted the morning show for over a decade, addressed the rumours in an interview on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, saying she is 'not going to negotiate in the press' but acknowledged that changes are underway.
King’s comments come amid a major shake-up at CBS following Paramount’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The network’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, has already made changes, including promoting Tony Doukoupil to anchor of CBS Evening News, which King noted will affect CBS Mornings. 'There is some drama,' she said, adding that she hears conflicting information from inside and outside the building.
The uncertainty also stems from cost-cutting measures, with Paramount CEO David Ellison reportedly seeking to save $2 billion. King’s annual salary of at least $10 million has drawn scrutiny, with an insider describing her as 'inflated' and 'expensive' in the current climate. However, King stated that she has been told the network still wants her, saying, 'I like the job and I’m told they liked me.'
If King leaves the anchor role, she may not exit CBS entirely. Reports suggest she could transition to other roles, such as producing her own programming. Her current contract is reportedly set to expire in May. Her departure would follow that of former co-anchors Maurice Dubois and John Dickerson as the network undergoes a significant restructuring.
