Trending Now - Gayle King to Remain at CBS Mornings Amid Producer's Departure

WHO:

Gayle King, host of "CBS Mornings"

Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief

Anderson Cooper, former "60 Minutes" correspondent

Shawna Thomas, executive producer of "CBS Mornings"

Tom Cibrowski, CBS News President

Paramount, parent company of CBS News

Warner Bros. Discovery, company involved in a merger with Paramount

WHAT:

Gayle King signed a new deal to remain at CBS News, ending speculation about her exit.

King has been with CBS News since 2012 and was part of the relaunch of "CBS This Morning."

Shawna Thomas announced her departure from "CBS Mornings" effective at the end of March 2026.

King stated, "Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated."

King expressed excitement about continuing at "CBS Mornings" and being open to new projects.

CBS News is undergoing an overhaul of its morning show.

"CBS Mornings" has been attracting around 1.78 million viewers, significantly less than NBC’s "Today" (3.2 million) and ABC’s "Good Morning America" (3.1 million).

CBS News experienced a decline in advertising revenue for "CBS Mornings," from approximately $131.8 million in 2024 to about $119.2 million in 2025.

WHERE:

CBS News, part of Paramount, located in the United States.

WHEN:

King’s contract renewal was announced on March 4, 2026.

Shawna Thomas will leave "CBS Mornings" at the end of March 2026.

King joined CBS News in 2012.

The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

WHY:

The renewal of King’s contract is seen as a strategic move amid significant changes at CBS News, including the departure of other high-profile staff.

CBS News is aiming to revitalize its morning show amid declining viewership and advertising revenue.

HOW:

King’s new deal was confirmed by CBS News through a spokesperson.

Bari Weiss is leading the editorial shift at CBS News, focusing on new projects and audience engagement.

Shawna Thomas communicated her decision to leave in a memo to colleagues, expressing her feelings of fatigue and gratitude for her time at CBS.

Gayle King has signed a new deal to stay at CBS News, putting an end to speculation about her departure, while Shawna Thomas announced she will leave "CBS Mornings" at the end of March. King, who has been with CBS since 2012, expressed her excitement about continuing her role and being open to new projects, stating that rumors of her exit were "inaccurate and greatly exaggerated." This renewal comes as CBS News is undergoing significant changes, including a decline in viewership and advertising revenue for "CBS Mornings," which is currently attracting around 1.78 million viewers, far behind its competitors.