Gayle King and ‘CBS Mornings’ Struggle Amid Ratings Decline and Incoming Ownership Changes

As CBS prepares to enter a new era under Skydance Media’s leadership, its morning show CBS Mornings and prominent co-host Gayle King are facing mounting pressure: from falling ratings, to editorial shifts, and an uncertain future regarding King’s contract.

Falling Behind in the Morning News Race

Despite hopes that CBS Mornings would bring new energy to CBS, the show remains stuck in third place behind ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today. In July 2025, it averaged only 1.8 million viewers per day, compared to 2.7 million for GMA and 2.4 million for Today.

Compared to the same period last year, viewership dropped 10%, and among the key demographic of adults aged 25-54—a critical group for advertisers—the loss was even sharper, declining by 25%. Although competing shows have also seen decreases, CBS’s decline is the most severe.

Ownership Change Brings New Direction

With the FCC’s approval of the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, CBS News will come under the control of CEO David Ellison. Industry insiders believe Ellison will pursue an editorial reset to reduce perceived political bias and refocus content toward stories that resonate more with everyday Americans.

Plans include appointing an independent ombudsman to oversee content, and staff are bracing for further changes reflecting Skydance’s influence.

Gayle King: Glamour Outside, But Losing Connection with Viewers

Gayle King remains one of the most recognizable faces on CBS Mornings, sharing hosting duties with Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson. However, her glamorous public image—from attending Hollywood events to sailing on luxury yachts—has not translated into viewer growth.

Her April trip aboard Blue Origin’s space flight, while historic for women, drew criticism over environmental concerns and perceived extravagance. Though the stunt gave a brief ratings boost, CBS Mornings soon lost 5% of its overall audience and 17% of the key demo viewers.

High Salary, High Expectations, but Falling Numbers

King reportedly earns an eight-figure salary, making her the highest-paid personality at CBS News. Sources inside the network say she has long wielded significant influence, from selecting executive producers to guiding editorial decisions—sometimes favoring topics disconnected from CBS’s core audience.

“She used to have total control, but the ratings don’t back her anymore,” one veteran producer commented.

King’s contract is said to expire in May 2026, and industry speculation suggests she may face a pay cut or even non-renewal unless there is a significant turnaround.

CBS’s Shift: Leaving Times Square, Returning to 57th Street

Starting in September, CBS Mornings will leave its Times Square studio to move back to the network’s Broadcast Center on 57th Street in New York. This move symbolizes a shift toward a more grounded, relatable program.

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and SVP Wendy Fisher are leading efforts to refocus the show’s content on regional stories and issues that resonate with middle America, aligning with Skydance’s vision for the network.

Once seen as a fresh face to revitalize CBS mornings, Gayle King now faces significant challenges amid declining ratings, internal pressures, and a changing ownership landscape. Whether she will adapt and survive in this new environment remains an open question.