Gayle King has signed a new contract with CBS News, ending months of speculation about her future at the network. The deal ensures that King will continue as co-host of 'CBS Mornings', though the specific terms and length of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Key Takeaways
Gayle King has signed a new contract with CBS News, ensuring she will continue as co-host of 'CBS Mornings'. The move ends months of speculation about her future at the network amid leadership changes and cost-cutting measures. Additionally, 'CBS Mornings' executive producer Shawna Thomas announced her departure, marking another change in the show's production team.
- Gayle King signs new contract with CBS News
- King to continue as co-host of 'CBS Mornings'
- Executive producer Shawna Thomas announces departure
- CBS News undergoes leadership changes under Bari Weiss
The 71-year-old journalist, who is reportedly the highest-paid on-air talent at CBS News with an annual eight-figure salary, had faced uncertainty about her role following the arrival of Bari Weiss, the network's new editor-in-chief. There were reports that parent company Paramount was considering trimming King's salary or reducing her role as part of cost-cutting measures.
'Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated,' King said in a statement. '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.'
Weiss praised King's decision to stay, stating, 'There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home. 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.'
King's current co-hosts include Nate Burleson, who also works as an analyst for CBS Sports. The network is currently searching for a replacement for Tony Dokoupil, who left 'CBS Mornings' in January to become the anchor of the 'CBS Evening News'. King joined CBS News in 2012 and has been a key figure in the morning show's success, helping it achieve five consecutive years of ratings growth during her tenure.
'CBS Mornings' ranks third in ratings behind NBC’s 'Today' and ABC’s 'Good Morning America', but remains a significant revenue generator for CBS News. The network is undergoing changes under Weiss's leadership, with plans to evolve the morning show and potentially introduce new projects featuring King.
In another development, Shawna Thomas, the executive producer of 'CBS Mornings', announced her departure from the show at the end of March. In a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, Thomas expressed gratitude for her time at CBS and praised Gayle King's talent and work ethic.
'Today is not my last day at CBS Mornings, but it begins a countdown to my alarm going off a little bit later. First, I’m so happy Gayle King came to a deal and will continue to bring her bright shiny face and amazing interviewing skills to CBS Mornings and CBS News,' Thomas wrote in the memo.
Thomas' exit follows other recent departures at CBS News, including '60 Minutes' correspondent Anderson Cooper. The network has faced layoffs and organizational changes as parent company Paramount aims to reduce headcount following its merger with Skydance last year.
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