Struggling ratings for CBS Mornings, fronted by Gayle King, as the show faces ownership transition in the near future
CBS News is facing a period of uncertainty as the network undergoes a significant change in ownership following the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. The $8 billion deal, approved last month, will see Skydance CEO David Ellison take control of CBS News and its struggling news division.
The new ownership is reportedly aiming to shift CBS News towards a less progressive direction, including appointing an ombudsman to oversee content and possibly bringing in former executives known for "reining in liberal journalists." This ideological repositioning, combined with the network's declining ratings, has put the future of prominent CBS Mornings host Gayle King in question.
King, who co-anchors the show with Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson, has been facing criticism for her association with the Blue Origin space flight and her vacation with the Obamas in 2017, which critics argue tarnished the reputation of CBS News. The temporary increase in viewership from the space flight has since been followed by a steady decline, with CBS Mornings losing 5% of its total viewers and 17% of its viewers in the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults aged 25-54.
The show, currently in third place among all relevant viewership measurables, has been steadily losing viewers, shedding 10% of its audience from 2024 to 2025. King's efforts to generate free publicity through her associations with A-listers have not helped increase the audience, with CBS Mornings averaging 1.8 million total viewers during July, compared to 2.7 million for Good Morning America and 2.4 million for Today.
The internal shifts at CBS News are also contributing to King's uncertain future. There have been accusations of political scrutiny, exemplified by President Donald Trump publicly attacking King, and an editorial shift being pushed by CBS News president and executive editor Tom Cibrowski and his No. 2, Wendy Fisher. Gayle King has been accused of being insulated by her team, including Executive Producer Shawna Thomas.
As King's contract is set to expire in May 2026, industry insiders suggest that Ellison's management might not offer her a lucrative contract renewal due to the show's poor performance and political scrutiny. The staffer believes that changes are on the horizon once Skydance executives begin to put their mark on the division.
In April, King drew criticism for being part of an all-female crew for a 10-minute Blue Origin space flight. CBS News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
References
- CBS News facing uncertainty as Skydance takes control
- Gayle King's future at CBS News uncertain amid merger
- Gayle King's Blue Origin space flight sparks backlash
- Skydance CEO David Ellison to take control of CBS News
- CBS Mornings struggles with declining ratings amid ownership change
In the light of the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, there are indications that CBS News may start focusing more on politics and entertainment, which could involve a change in leadership and the hiring of executives known for managing conservative journalists, possibly including former CBS executives. (Politics, Entertainment)
Amidst the anticipated shift in management at CBS News and the declining ratings of CBS Mornings, Gayle King's contract renewal is uncertain due to her perceived political scrutiny and the poor performance of the show, with industry insiders suggesting that Skydance executives might not offer her a lucrative extension. (Celebrities, Politics)
