Gayle King Signs New Deal with CBS News

The high-profile anchor will continue as co-host of 'CBS Mornings' after rumblings of her departure.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:54pm

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Gayle King, the most prominent on-air talent at CBS News, has signed a new contract to remain as co-host of 'CBS Mornings'. The 71-year-old King's future at the network had been in question after the arrival of new CBS News Editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, but the two sides have now reached an agreement for King to continue in her role.

Why it matters

Gayle King is a marquee name for CBS News, and her continued presence on 'CBS Mornings' helps provide stability and star power for the network's morning show, which ranks third in ratings behind NBC's 'Today' and ABC's 'Good Morning America'.

The details

King's current contract was set to expire in May, and there were reports that parent company Paramount was looking to trim her salary or reduce her role as a cost-cutting measure. However, the two sides have now reached a new deal, the length and terms of which were not disclosed. King is the highest paid on-air talent at CBS News, earning an eight-figure annual salary.

  • King's current contract was set to end in May 2026.
  • In the fall of 2025, there were reports that Paramount was looking to reduce King's role or salary at CBS News.

The players

Gayle King

A prominent co-host of 'CBS Mornings' and the highest paid on-air talent at CBS News, earning an eight-figure annual salary.

Bari Weiss

The new Editor-in-chief of CBS News, whose arrival in 2025 had raised questions about King's future at the network.

Nate Burleson

King's current co-host on 'CBS Mornings', who is also an analyst for CBS Sports.

Tony Dokoupil

A former co-host of 'CBS Mornings' who left the program in January 2026 to become the anchor of the 'CBS Evening News'.

Charlie Rose

A former co-host of 'CBS This Morning' alongside King and Norah O'Donnell, who was ousted over sexual harassment allegations.

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What they’re saying

“Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated. CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I'm excited about continuing at CBS Mornings. As always, I'm open to new adventures here and ready to go. It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in.”

— Gayle King

“There is only one Gayle King. We're so proud that she'll continue to call CBS home. We're thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”

— Bari Weiss, CBS News Editor-in-chief

What’s next

CBS News will continue to search for a permanent replacement for former 'CBS Mornings' co-host Tony Dokoupil, who left the program in January 2026 to become the anchor of the 'CBS Evening News'.

The takeaway

Gayle King's new contract with CBS News ensures the network retains one of its most high-profile and highest-paid on-air talents, providing stability and star power for its morning show 'CBS Mornings' as it looks to gain ground on its rivals 'Today' and 'Good Morning America'.