After months of speculation, Gayle King will remain with CBS News. The network and King confirmed the news, which adds an element of continuity to CBS News at a time when the network has seen major changes, some of which have been unwelcome by insiders and viewing audiences.
CBS declares, ‘There’s only one Gayle King,’ as it reaches a deal to keep its morning host
Variety reported Wednesday that King had reached a new deal to stay with CBS News, where she’s been one of the network’s most prominent faces as host of the CBS Mornings show. While the details of King’s new deal were not immediately available, she is believed to have been paid $14 million a year in recent years.
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss celebrated King’s decision to stay with the network.
“There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home,” Weiss said. “We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences,” Weiss continued in her statement.
The announcement ends months of speculation about King’s fate with the network, including rumors that she had decided to part with CBS Mornings, where she’s been a host since 2012. King addressed the previous speculation in a statement about her new deal.
“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,” King said. “CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at CBS Mornings. As always, I’m open to new adventures here and ready to go.”
Acknowledging the extended period of negotiations that led to her new agreement, King said, “It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”
Potential new opportunities for King and Paramount
The deal to keep King is a victory for Weiss at a time of significant turmoil within CBS News. Many have viewed Weiss as taking the network in a conservative direction. Weiss has also been criticized for micromanaging stories in a way that has alienated CBS journalists. The turmoil has particularly hit the network’s premiere program, 60 Minutes, including interference by Weiss to delay and scrutinize stories that were critical of the Trump administration’s policies. The editorial interference is believed to have factored into the decision by longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper not to renew his contract with the series.
The decision to keep King comes after the elevation of King’s former CBS Mornings co-host, Tony Dokoupil, to evening news anchor, where his reporting has been seen as more Trump-friendly than the network has been. CBS has renewed King’s contract just as its parent company, Paramount Skydance, is poised to acquire former rival Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that will require the Trump administration’s approval. The merger would bring news network CNN under Paramount’s control, potentially opening up new opportunities for King; she previously co-hosted a CNN program with Charles Barkley, King Charles. The merger would also give Paramount control of OWN, the network founded by King’s longtime friend Oprah Winfrey.
By renewing its contract with King, CBS has retained one of its most recognizable personalities at a time when its news division has been in flux. Signing King for an additional stint may allow her to expand to new opportunities as parent company Paramount brings CNN and other Warner Bros. Discovery properties under its control.
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