In October 2025, a CBS News spokesperson countered rumors of King’s potential departure, assuring Variety that there had been no discussions about ending her contract set to expire in May 2026. “Gayle is highly valued at CBS, and we anticipate discussing her future role,” the representative stated.

Financial considerations may be influencing CBS’s decision, with King’s substantial $10 million salary reportedly under scrutiny amid falling ratings. The network is grappling with whether her compensation is sustainable. Additionally, whispers of dissatisfaction with King’s perceived “woke” programming have emerged, especially following structural changes after Skydance Media acquired Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, in August 2025. An insider told The New York Post, “The morning audience craves optimism and joy, not the progressive angles the show has taken.”

A spokesperson for CBS News previously issued a statement denying any plans to part ways with Gayle King to Variety in October 2025. “There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” the representative insisted. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”

According to reports, King’s hefty $10 million salary is a major factor in why network executives are considering whether to end or extend her contract. Some say her seven-figure pay is proving hard to justify given the show’s declining ratings; however, there have also been rumors that King’s “too woke” programming was causing friction with CBS amid ongoing structural changes after Paramount Global, which owns CBS News, was acquired by Skydance Media in August 2025. “The audience doesn’t want woke. It doesn’t like progressive and provocative bookings,” an insider told The New York Post. “The morning show audience wants optimism and cheer and joy and what they were producing is at odds with audience expectations.”

As it stands, there’s reportedly a lot of “internal politics” going on at CBS among its executives and producers. As one staffer told: “It’s the ‘Hunger Games.’” But King, even as she faces uncertainty about her future, remains very optimistic. “I’ll continue to do the best job I can and hope it’s appreciated,” she told HBR when asked how she’s navigating the shift. “The rules of the game may change, but until I know how, I’m not going to walk around afraid or like my hair is on fire.” She then adds, “I’m just waiting to see what that means. I’m for anybody that can make CBS better. But what does that look like?”