Longtime CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King is facing growing speculation about her future as network executives push an ‘editorial shift’ to reshape the show’s content and boost its ratings. Despite her high-profile status and a reported $10-15 million annual salary, her program has struggled to compete with ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ and NBC’s ‘Today,’ averaging 1.8 million viewers in July compared to competitors’ 2.6 million and 2.4 million respectively. CBS staffers note that while King remains generally liked within the network, the editorial changes under CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and Senior Vice President Wendy Fisher are causing internal concern. Cibrows, who joined CBS in March after a decades-long stint at ABC, has pushed for a focus on stories outside major cities, emphasizing economic issues and local impact. The move has left some fearing the shift could affect King’s role, even as network leaders stress the changes are aimed at improving the show’s resonance rather than any external pressures.
King, the liberal co-host of ‘CBS Mornings,’ has been a central figure in the network’s morning lineup for years, known for her bold and off-the-wall commentary that appeals to a niche audience. However, her influence has been challenged by internal debates about the show’s direction. CBS staffers describe mixed reactions within the network, with some appreciating her ability to bring in high-profile guests like former talk show host Oprah Winfrey, while others question whether her approach is sustainable for the program’s long-term success. While King still holds considerable sway over the morning segment, her team and co-hosts have been increasingly involved in shaping the show’s content without her direct oversight, according to insiders. This shift has raised questions about her continued involvement with the show amid rising demand for more localized and politically balanced coverage.
The editorial changes under Cibrowski and Fisher are part of a broader strategy to align the show with the network’s evolving priorities. The executives have emphasized a focus on storytelling that reflects the concerns of everyday Americans, with increased coverage of economic issues and mid-sized cities. These changes have led to the addition of veteran meteorologist Rob Marciano and adjustments to the show’s format, including more dynamic camera work and storytelling techniques similar to those used by ‘Good Morning America.’ While some insiders suggest that Cibrowski has been actively involved in shaping the show, others remain cautious about how these changes will impact King’s role. As the network prepares for a major move to its New York City headquarters in September, the pressure to adapt to new editorial priorities is mounting, with some insiders believing that King’s future is now more uncertain than ever.
Critics of the changes argue that they may dilute the show’s unique voice, which has been shaped by King’s distinct personality and guest list. Some within the network believe that her presence is still essential to maintaining the show’s reputation and audience reach, particularly with her long-standing relationship with the network’s leadership. However, the executive shift has also led to discussions about potential replacements, with Adrianna Diaz, who co-hosts the third hour of the show, being considered as a potential successor. While the network remains committed to maintaining stability, the growing speculation about King’s future has intensified in the wake of these changes, as CBS continues to navigate the challenges of balancing editorial innovation with audience expectations.