CBS News is reportedly reassessing the future of veteran broadcaster Gayle King, amid mounting financial and editorial tensions within the network under its current leadership.
According to a report by Variety and The Jasmine Brand, King—one of CBS News’ most recognisable on-air figures—is believed to earn around $15 million annually, a compensation level that executives now view as unsustainable as the network tightens spending.
The development has renewed speculation about King’s long-term role at CBS, where she has been a fixture for years.
The report outlines several possible paths forward. King could remain with the network on a reduced salary, transition into a less frequent correspondent role, or scale back her appearances as CBS News reshapes its programming strategy. Any decision would mark a significant shift for the network, which has relied heavily on high-profile personalities to anchor its brand.
The uncertainty surrounding King comes during a period of heightened internal friction and external pressure at CBS News. The New York Times recently reported that following an interview between CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil and former President Donald Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned off-camera that Trump would sue the network if the interview were edited. CBS News later confirmed it made what it described as an “independent decision” regarding the final cut of the interview, reviving concerns over legal exposure and editorial independence.
Industry observers note that these legal threats, combined with broader corporate spending, have contributed to belt-tightening across the organisation. The Ellison family, which took control of the company last year, has reportedly committed $150 million to Bari Weiss’ media venture The Free Press and is pursuing a multi-billion-dollar bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, increasing scrutiny over costs at CBS and Paramount.
Under the current leadership era, CBS has already implemented job cuts affecting staff well beyond marquee names, and further layoffs remain under consideration, according to reporting by The New Yorker.
Advertiser caution has also been cited as a factor, particularly around newer formats such as Weiss-led town halls, which have delivered mixed commercial results.
Variety further reports that CBS News may be considering a broader overhaul of its streaming and digital operations, potentially leaning more heavily on talk-driven podcasts rather than traditional broadcast formats—another shift that could affect legacy talent contracts.
For now, CBS News has not publicly commented on King’s contract status. However, the reported review underscores the changing economics of broadcast journalism, where even the most established figures are no longer immune from financial recalibration.
