CBS shoots down reports of Gayle King leaving CBS Mornings
CBS has denied reports that Gayle King will leave CBS Mornings in 2026, stating that no contract discussions have occurred, as King herself has set to respond
Gayle King’s future at CBS is up in the air after conflicting reports(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
CBS News has pushed back against news reports suggesting that Gayle King plans to leave her morning anchor position, calling the speculation premature as the veteran journalist’s contract remains active.
Variety reported Thursday that the 70-year-old broadcaster would exit CBS Mornings when her current agreement ends in May 2026. The outlet cited sources indicating King might transition to an alternative position within the news division of the network. Network representatives quickly disputed elements of the story.
“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a CBS News spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE.
The spokesperson added, “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
Gayle King has been with CBS since 2011.(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
King has anchored the morning broadcast since November 2011, when the program used the name CBS This Morning.
Throughout her 14-year run, she has worked alongside various co-anchors, initially partnering with Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell.
Rose left the program in 2017 following sexual harassment allegations, which he denied at the time.
From May 2019, King shared an anchor role with Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil until Mason’s departure in August 2021.
The current anchor team consists of King, Dokoupil and Nate Burleson, who joined the broadcast in September 2021. The speculation surrounding King’s status arrives during a period of change at CBS and its parent company.
Skydance Media completed an $8 billion acquisition of Paramount in August, making CBS one of several subsidiaries now under the media conglomerate’s control.
David Ellison’s Skydance has reportedly indicated interest in repositioning CBS News toward politically neutral coverage, according to NPR.
Recent months have seen substantial changes across CBS programming.
The network announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, scheduled to conclude in May 2026.
CBS Evening News anchor John Dickerson revealed his departure Tuesday after 16 years with the organization.
On Wednesday, Paramount executed layoffs affecting 1,000 employees network-wide.
Among those terminated were CBS Saturday Morning co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Additional CBS correspondents and contributors facing termination included Lisa Ling, Debora Patta, Janet Shamlian, Nancy Chen, and Nikki Battiste.
