CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King could be facing a steep salary cut—or even an exit—as new ownership pressures the network to slash expenses.
King, who has anchored mornings since 2012, reportedly earns about $10 million annually after her most recent contract renewal. Executives now view her pay as “unsustainable,” according to Puck’s Dylan Byers.
CBS insiders insist King remains central to the network, with one source telling Page Six she is “a valuable member of the CBS News family” and “not going anywhere.”
Co-anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois “will almost certainly” lose their current positions as CBS Evening News prepares to shift back to a single-anchor format.
While DuBois may remain in some capacity, Dickerson’s future is uncertain amid weak ratings. Executives reportedly want to restore a harder-news identity and streamline costs.
New Ownership Driving Cuts
The moves come as Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, finalized its $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global.
Ellison and newly installed CBS News leadership are expected to prioritize profitability, reduce talent salaries, and prepare for significant layoffs this fall across Paramount divisions, including news.
Byers reported that CBS News is losing around $50 million annually, though CBS pushed back, telling the New York Post: “The division is currently profitable.”
Staff Bracing for Layoffs
Industry chatter suggests cuts will come by November, and employees fear the $50 million loss figure may have been “planted” to justify downsizing.
CBS News President Tom Cibrowski is reportedly leading the changes, balancing budget reductions with efforts to preserve credibility.
What Comes Next
For now, King appears safe, but the future of CBS Evening News remains unsettled. Whether the changes stop at high-profile salaries and anchor reshuffles—or extend to deeper programming shifts—remains to be seen.
As one insider told the Post: “As much as it’s still sh—y over there, it’s good for her to wait and see what happens with the merger, with new people, if they can get their act together.”
