Gayle King may soon close a major chapter in her broadcasting career as reports suggest she could leave CBS Mornings when her contract expires in 2026.
According to Variety, the longtime anchor is expected to step down from her role at the morning news desk once her current deal ends in May 2026. However, sources indicate that King is not planning a full exit from CBS. Instead, she may transition into a new role within the network, focusing on creating original content and special projects under the CBS News division.
The potential move would follow a path similar to that of Norah O’Donnell, who stepped down earlier this year as anchor of CBS Evening News. O’Donnell now serves as a senior correspondent while also producing original programming for the network.
(Photo by Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
Despite the growing speculation, CBS has pushed back on claims that any decision has been made. A network spokesperson told Page Six, “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026. She’s a truly valued part of CBS, and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”
Insiders have emphasized that discussions about King’s next steps remain ongoing. One source told Variety that no plans are finalized, while another noted that King’s vision for her work may differ from that of newly appointed CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. The two are reportedly at odds over editorial direction and political tone as Weiss begins reshaping the network’s news operations.
In May 2025, King agreed to a one-year contract extension, keeping her on CBS Mornings through the following summer. Reports suggest she accepted a pay cut from $13 million to $10 million to finalize the deal.
Her possible departure comes amid sweeping changes at CBS following Paramount’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. Under new leadership, CBS News and its morning lineup are undergoing significant restructuring. CBS Saturday Morning is slated for a full overhaul, with co-anchors Michelle Miller, Dana Jacobson, and executive producer Brian Applegate all exiting the program.
Other major changes are also underway across the network. CBS recently confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May, while CBS Evening News anchor John Dickerson is also set to depart.
For now, Gayle King remains a steady presence on CBS Mornings, but with the network in flux, her next chapter at CBS could look very different from the one that made her one of television’s most recognizable news figures.
