Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings uncertain

CBS insiders weigh King's role as new leadership shifts editorial focus to improve struggling morning show performance

CBS staffers are reportedly speculating about Gayle King's long-term future at the network amid internal editorial changes aimed at revitalizing the struggling morning show. According to Fox News Digital, sources within the network say leadership is making strategic moves behind the scenes, prompting conversations about whether the 70-year-old anchor will remain the face of CBS Mornings.

Despite her celebrity connections — including close ties to Oprah Winfrey — and a reported salary between $10 million and $15 million annually, King’s show continues to lag in ratings. In July, CBS Mornings averaged 1.8 million viewers, significantly behind ABC’s Good Morning America (2.6 million) and NBC’s Today (2.4 million).

While King remains "generally liked" and retains significant influence over the program, one CBS insider noted that she is insulated by her team and executive producer Shawna Thomas. Her co-hosts Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil are said to enjoy similar protection, but changes may still be coming.

CBS News President and Executive Editor Tom Cibrowski, who joined the network in March after a long tenure at ABC News, is reportedly spearheading an “editorial shift” in the morning lineup. Alongside Wendy Fisher, the network’s Senior Vice President of Editorial, Cibrowski is focused on retooling story selection to highlight economic issues and topics that resonate with viewers outside major metropolitan areas.

“You can see Tom’s work in the show,” the staffer said, pointing to recent changes like the hiring of former GMA meteorologist Rob Marciano, updated visual elements, and more dynamic on-air presentation. These changes, the insider believes, are part of Cibrowski’s broader vision and not tied to external pressure or the Paramount-Skydance merger.

The show's upcoming move from its Times Square studio back to the CBS Broadcast Center this September is also part of the network’s realignment. As the shakeup continues, one name being floated as a potential successor to King is Adrianna Diaz, who has already been elevated as co-host of CBS Mornings Plus.

“Gayle is our biggest star, but people mostly just want stability,” the staffer added. “From that standpoint, people want her to stay.”