After more than 13 years as one of morning television’s most recognizable faces, Gayle King is reportedly planning to step away from her anchor role on CBS Mornings next year. According to industry insiders, King is expected to exit the show when her current contract expires in May, marking the end of an era for the long-running news program.
While official talks have not yet begun, CBS executives are reportedly exploring ways to keep the veteran journalist within the company. One potential path includes offering her a new platform to develop and produce original programming — a move that would allow King to remain a key part of the CBS family while expanding her creative footprint.
In a statement to Variety, a CBS News spokesperson pushed back on speculation, saying, “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.” King’s attorney, Lawrence Shire, declined to comment on the matter.
This possible transition comes amid significant changes across the network. As Paramount Global prepares to finalize its sale to Skydance Media, CBS News is undergoing a major strategic overhaul. Recently, journalist Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief with a focus on broadening CBS’s reach and modernizing its storytelling approach.
King’s potential departure would represent one of the most notable shifts since Norah O’Donnell’s move from anchor to correspondent following her own reorganization within the network. Insiders say CBS wants to handle King’s next chapter carefully, given her strong connection with viewers and her role in helping redefine CBS Mornings since 2012.
For millions of viewers, Gayle King has been more than just a morning anchor — she’s been a trusted voice and a steady presence in daily news. Though she has not publicly addressed the reports, her rumored exit underscores a broader reshaping of broadcast journalism as networks adapt to a new media landscape.
