Gayle King CBS Exit Looms as Contract Talks with Paramount Collapse

Veteran journalist Gayle King is reportedly set to leave CBS Mornings. Her departure follows a breakdown in contract negotiations with the network. The news was first reported by Variety.

King’s current contract is set to expire in May 2026. An internal dispute is cited as the primary reason for the fallout. Neither King nor CBS has issued an official confirmation.

Internal Dispute Halts Contract Negotiations

According to Variety, the dispute arose amidst a significant ownership shift. Control of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, moved from the Redstone family to the Ellisons. The new leadership reportedly wants to steer CBS News away from content perceived as too liberal.

The network was planning to sign a new contract with King. Talks were expected to begin soon. However, they fell through at the last moment.

CBS has publicly denied these reports. The network stated there have been no discussions with King about her contract yet. They called King a “truly valued part of CBS” and look forward to future talks.

Gayle King’s Legacy and Estimated Net Worth

Gayle King has been a celebrated fixture at CBS for over 14 years. Her potential exit marks a major shift for the network’s morning show. Her salary details remain confidential.

Multiple sources have estimated her net worth. Celebrity Net Worth places it around $50 million. Hello! Magazine reported in May 2025 that her net worth could be as high as $80 million.

This reported departure occurs during broader changes at the network. Several staff members have been let go recently. The situation reflects the new ownership’s evolving vision for CBS News.

The potential departure of Gayle King from CBS Mornings signals a transformative period for the broadcast. Her exit would represent a substantial loss for the program’s lineup. The final outcome of these Gayle King CBS negotiations will be closely watched by the entire industry.

Thought you’d like to know

Is Gayle King definitely leaving CBS Mornings?

No official confirmation has been provided. The reports are based on sources cited by Variety. Both CBS and King’s representatives have not made a formal announcement.

Why would Gayle King leave CBS?

Reports indicate an internal dispute caused contract talks to collapse. This dispute is linked to the new Paramount ownership’s desired direction for CBS News.

What is Gayle King’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $80 million. This figure is based on reports from publications like Celebrity Net Worth and Hello! Magazine.

When does her contract expire?

Gayle King’s current contract with CBS is set to expire in May 2026. The recent breakdown in talks concerns a new contract that would begin after that date.

How has CBS responded to the reports?

CBS has denied the claims, stating there have been no discussions yet about her contract. The network expressed that they value her and plan to engage with her about the future.

Trusted Sources: Variety, Celebrity Net Worth, Hello! Magazine