Is Gayle King's CBS Mornings Era Coming to an End?
BOMBSHELL: Gayle King's Career on Thin Ice as Trump Weighs In
The Tiffany Network is abuzz with speculation and gossip, as beloved host Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings hangs precariously in the balance. With her contract set to expire in May, insiders claim that the network's new owners are considering letting her go - a move that would send shockwaves through the television industry.
But it's not just the suits who are whispering about King's impending departure. Even Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy, taking to his Truth Social platform to declare that King is "over" as a TV personality. "No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!" he snarked in a post that quickly went viral.
But what's behind this sudden loss of faith in King? Sources close to the situation tell The Scholarly Note that her contract renewal is far from certain - and that the network's new owners are leaning towards letting her go. "It will most likely not be renewed by CBS News' new owners at that point," one well-connected insider revealed, hinting that a deal is already in place for King to depart.
But why would the network want to cut ties with its biggest star? The answer lies in the numbers - or rather, the lack thereof. Despite being one of the most recognizable faces on television, King's show has struggled to attract viewers, often dipping below 2 million total viewers. And now, with the network planning to expand CBS Mornings to a third hour (despite its current ratings struggles), it seems that King is no longer seen as an asset worth keeping.
Of course, not everyone is convinced that King's departure is a done deal. "Conversations are still occurring," one source hinted, suggesting that there may be a last-minute attempt to keep her on board. But with the network's new owners - the corporation Skydance - making big changes behind the scenes, it seems unlikely that King will be spared.
So who could replace King if she does leave? Insiders point to Adrianna Diaz, who has been quietly groomed as a potential successor. "They've started to groom her," one staffer revealed, adding that Diaz is seen as a safe and reliable choice for the coveted co-host spot.
But what about King's colleagues? While some have expressed support for their departing friend, others are more divided. "People are talking about it because Gayle is our biggest star, but also I don't think anyone cares that much," one staffer admitted candidly. "I think everyone just wants stability, so from that standpoint, people want her to stay."
It's not just King's colleagues who have expressed concerns about her on-air behavior. The New York Post has reported that King has been pushing progressive issues on-screen - a move that neither viewers nor senior bosses seem to like. And with CBS News accused of giving Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin a free ride in exchange for a space trip, it seems that King's personal brand is now under scrutiny.
But what about the elephant in the room? The fact that Trump's most outspoken critic - Stephen Colbert - had his show canceled just last month has left many wondering if there's more to the story. With Paramount's $8 billion merger with Skydance set to go through, it seems that CBS News is making big changes behind the scenes.
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for CBS News declined to address the rumors surrounding King's departure. But one thing is clear: the fate of CBS Mornings - and Gayle King's career - hangs precariously in the balance.