CBS Shakeup: Gayle King's $15M Salary Under Scrutiny as Promotions Loom
Gayle King's $15 Million Salary Under Fire: Will She Survive CBS News Shake-Up?
The drama is heating up at CBS News, and it's all centered around one person: Gayle King. The 70-year-old anchor has been a staple on the network for years, but her future at CBS Mornings is now uncertain due to her massive $15 million salary. Sources close to the matter claim that new ownership, led by David Ellison and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, are looking to cut costs and elevate other talent.
According to The Scholarly Note.com, Weiss has been secretly meeting with Norah O'Donnell, who was quietly removed from CBS Evening News last year. One of the options being considered is for O'Donnell to return to CBS Mornings, where King's massive paycheck could become a major issue in Ellison's era.
"O'Donnell could be seen as a prime candidate to replace King or even join her on the show," says a source close to the matter. "The fact that she has been quietly meeting with Weiss and is rumored to be considering a return to CBS News suggests that her future may be brighter than ever."
But O'Donnell isn't the only one who's being considered for a promotion. Tony Dokoupil, King's co-anchor on CBS Mornings, has also been mentioned as a strong contender to take over Evening News. Dokoupil, who was publicly rebuked by CBS after a controversial interview with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, may see the shake-up at CBS News as an opportunity to boost his own personal standing.
"It's a chance for him to prove himself and show that he can be more than just a pretty face," says a colleague. "He's been weathering shifting fortunes at the network for years, and this could be his moment to shine."
Meanwhile, King's producer Shawna Thomas has also come under fire for her ultra-progressive programming on CBS Mornings. Sources claim that Thomas views herself as a major journalist who wants to do heavy reporting and provocative interviews with edgy guests. However, her approach has alienated viewers, particularly the fact that none of the show's anchors, aside from Dokoupil, are white.
"The problem is that Thomas doesn't listen to feedback," says an insider. "She thinks she knows what's best for the network and refuses to budge on her vision. It's a ticking time bomb waiting to explode."
The potential shake-up at CBS News comes as no surprise given the network's recent struggles with ratings. The New York Post reported in August that King's future at CBS Mornings was uncertain due to tanking ratings and dissatisfaction from bosses over her focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) programming.
"Gayle's contract extension last year for between $13 and $15 million has become a major liability," says a source. "The network can't afford to keep paying her that kind of money when the ratings are in the tank."
And it's not just King who may be feeling the heat. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which also airs on CBS, was recently canceled due to reported low ratings and high production costs. Sources claim that Colbert's own $15 million contract is up for renewal next May, but it's unlikely he'll get a new deal.
As the drama unfolds at CBS News, one thing is certain: change is in the air. With new ownership and leadership, the network is looking to shake things up and bring in fresh talent. But will Gayle King survive the cut? Only time will tell.
UPDATE: The Scholarly Note.com reached out to CBS News for comment on this story but received no response.
Sources:
- The Scholarly Note.com
- The New York Post