Gayle King’s 13-year career at CBS News could end as her $10M salary faces cuts amid plummeting ratings, studio relocations, and Paramount’s merger turmoil. Will she stay or leave?

Gayle King’s CBS Future in Jeopardy: Declining Ratings, Cost Cuts, and Network Turmoil Threaten Exit

Gayle King, the iconic co-host of CBS Mornings, may soon be parting ways with the network after 13 years as contract negotiations stall amid plummeting ratings, drastic budget cuts, and internal chaos at CBS News. Multiple sources indicate that King’s $10 million salary is now deemed unsustainable, with insiders calling her renewal a “miracle” .

Why Gayle King’s CBS Job Is at Risk

1. Plummeting Ratings and Salary Squeeze

CBS Mornings has struggled in the ratings war, consistently trailing Good Morning America (ABC) and Today (NBC). Despite a brief spike to 3.9 million viewers during King’s April 14 spaceflight with Blue Origin, the show quickly fell back to third place, averaging just 1.9 million viewers in May—its lowest since its 2021 relaunch .

King’s salary, once $13million,wascutto$10 million in her last one-year deal. With CBS parent company Paramount slashing $500 million ahead of its merger with Skydance Media, insiders say her paycheck is now “too expensive” to justify.

“This could be Gayle’s last year. Skydance is definitely not going to keep her with those numbers.” — CBS insider to the New York Post.

2. Studio Downgrade and “Personal Insult”

In a cost-cutting move, CBS ordered CBS Mornings to vacate its premium Times Square studio and return to the older CBS Broadcast Center—a decision that reportedly left King “livid” and feeling “blindsided”.

“Gayle is furious. She sees this as a personal attack. She expects the same level of prestige she had at Times Square—no exceptions.” — RadarOnline source.

3. Leadership Chaos and Trump Lawsuit Fallout

CBS News is in disarray following the resignation of CEO Wendy McMahon and the $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview edit. The FCC has warned it may block Paramount’s merger unless the lawsuit is settled, adding pressure to cut costs further.

“Tom [Cibrowski] doesn’t have enough hands to plug the holes in the dam. Losing Gayle would be another disaster.” — CBS insider.

What’s Next for Gayle King?

King, 70, has reportedly been weighing her options, including potential moves to CNN or focusing on her SiriusXM radio show and Oprah Winfrey collaborations.

Social Media Reactions

• Twitter User @MediaAnalyst: “CBS is making a huge mistake. Gayle King is the heart of that show. Without her, they’re done.”

• YouTube Clip: Watch Gayle King’s emotional interview about her CBS legacy

Conclusion

With her contract expiring in September, King’s departure seems increasingly likely unless CBS offers a last-minute deal. As one source bluntly put it: “She sees the writing on the wall” .

Sources: New York Post, Daily Mail, RadarOnline, TV News Check, FTVLive.