the future of veteran broadcast journalist gayle king at CBS News is currently under review as her contract nears its expiration in may 2026.Discussions center around the sustainability of her reported $15 million annual salary amidst organizational changes and economic pressures within the media industry.
Leadership Changes and Contract Negotiations
Gayle King, 79 as of January 22, 2026, has been a co-anchor of CBS Mornings since its inception in 2012, becoming a prominent figure at the network. Though, with Bari Weiss assuming the role of CBS News Editor-in-Chief in late 2025, a comprehensive review of talent contracts, including King’s, is underway. Sources indicate that CBS is considering options ranging from a notable salary reduction to a transition into a different role within the organization. Variety first reported on the internal discussions.
Potential scenarios include King taking on a special correspondent role with fewer on-air appearances or remaining with CBS Mornings for an additional year at a reduced salary, potentially allowing for a formal farewell to viewers. These considerations reflect a broader trend within CBS News, which has seen programming adjustments and personnel changes since Weiss’s arrival. The Hollywood Reporter details the restructuring efforts under Weiss.
King’s Response and CBS’s Position
King addressed speculation regarding her future in October 2025, stating to TMZ that she had been assured by network leadership of their desire to retain her. “All I’ve been told by everybody in this building is that they want me here,” she said. “I like the job I’m doing. I like the job and the peopel that I work with.”
CBS News has publicly maintained a supportive stance towards King. In a statement to NBC News in November 2025, a spokesperson affirmed that there had been “no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026” and emphasized her value to the network.
Industry Context and Economic Factors
The scrutiny of King’s contract reflects wider economic challenges facing broadcast news organizations. Declining advertising revenue and the need for fiscal responsibility are prompting networks to reassess compensation for established anchors. Poynter reports on the financial pressures impacting the broadcast news industry.
Media analysts suggest that veteran anchors may need to adapt to evolving audience preferences and budgetary constraints.While King’s longevity and influence are acknowledged, the network must balance her contributions with financial realities. Her extensive career includes not only CBS Mornings but also prominent interviews and public appearances, solidifying her position as a respected figure in journalism.
Key Takeaways
- Gayle King’s contract with CBS News expires in May 2026.
- CBS News, under new leadership, is evaluating the sustainability of her current salary.
- Potential outcomes include a salary reduction, a shift to a special correspondent role, or a planned farewell.
- The situation reflects broader economic pressures within the broadcast news industry.
- King has publicly expressed her desire to remain at CBS News.
