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2d ago

Skydance Deal Puts Gayle King’s Future at CBS Mornings in Doubt

With the Skydance takeover scheduled for August 7, Skydance’s pledge to end DEI mandates has turned a spotlight on Gayle King’s contract

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Overview

  • CBS Mornings has dropped below two million viewers and shed 20–30% of its 25–54 demographic in recent weeks, according to Nielsen data.
  • The FCC cleared Skydance’s $8.4 billion merger with Paramount Global last week, and the deal is set to close August 7 following commitments to eliminate DEI programs and install a bias ombudsman at CBS News.
  • Anchor Gayle King and executive producer Shawna Thomas have resisted management directives to shift away from progressive segments, a stance critics say has alienated traditional morning audiences.
  • King’s contract, extended through May 2026 at an annual $13 million to $15 million, is now under review as new owners weigh programming changes.
  • Despite budget cuts and a planned third-hour expansion, CBS Mornings remains in third place among network morning shows and continues to struggle in key advertiser demographics.