CBS Mornings’ Host Gayle King Accepts ’50 Percent Pay Cut’ For Part-time Gig Amid Right-leaning Overhaul at Network
Gayle King’s 50 Percent Pay Cut Reflects CBS News’ Strategic Shift
CBS Mornings’ beloved host Gayle King is making headlines once again, but this time for accepting a substantial pay cut to remain with the network. According to insider reports, King has agreed to reduce her annual salary by 50 percent, dropping from $15 million to approximately $10 million starting January 2026. This decision comes amid a significant right-leaning overhaul at CBS News, spearheaded by newly appointed editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whose editorial direction has sparked considerable controversy within the network.
King, 71, has been a stalwart figure at CBS for decades, known for her engaging interviews and commanding presence on the morning show. However, as CBS News grapples with internal shakeups and a shift in editorial philosophy, King has opted for a part-time role that allows her to maintain her visibility while reducing her workload and stress levels. This strategic compromise benefits both King and CBS, enabling the network to cut costs while retaining one of its marquee personalities.
Negotiations and the New Role: A Win-Win Situation
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Gayle King was very clear about her priorities during contract discussions. “Gayle called the shots,” a Hollywood insider shared. King wanted less work and less stress but still desired to remain in the public eye. The agreement reached allows her to work fewer hours and focus on special projects and high-profile interviews rather than the daily grind of hosting a morning show five days a week.
This arrangement comes at a time when CBS News is undergoing significant editorial changes. Bari Weiss, known for her anti-woke stance, has introduced a right-leaning editorial direction that has unsettled many staff members. High-profile departures, including CBS Nightly News anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, have underscored the network’s internal turmoil.
Despite these challenges, insiders confirm that CBS values King’s contribution and wanted to keep her on board. “CBS loves her, but they also needed to make adjustments,” a source explained. The pay cut and reduced airtime represent a balanced solution, allowing King to continue as a prominent face of CBS News while helping the network manage its budget.
King’s Future at CBS: Special Projects and Continued Influence
While King’s role at CBS Mornings will be scaled back, she is not stepping away from the network entirely. Instead, she will pivot toward “special projects” that align more closely with her interests and strengths. This includes headline interviews and unique segments that allow her to shine without the daily pressures of a morning show host.
An insider described King’s new role as a “smarter, happier, less stressed version of herself.” This transition is designed to preserve her reputation and influence while adapting to the evolving landscape at CBS News. Network executives have praised the deal as a “win-win,” emphasizing that viewers will continue to see King’s presence, albeit in a different capacity.
Meanwhile, CBS continues to navigate the fallout from recent controversies and personnel changes. Tony Dokoupil, King’s former co-host, was promoted to Nightly News anchor but faced criticism after an on-air meltdown and backlash over a perceived “fluff piece” on Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges CBS faces as it redefines its identity under Weiss’s leadership.
Conclusion
Gayle King’s acceptance of a 50 percent pay cut to take on a part-time role at CBS Mornings illustrates both her commitment to the network and the broader shifts occurring within CBS News. As the network embraces a right-leaning editorial overhaul, King’s new position offers her the flexibility to focus on meaningful projects while maintaining her status as a key figure in broadcast journalism. For CBS, retaining King in this capacity helps balance cost-cutting with audience retention.
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