URGENT UPDATE: CBS is grappling with a critical situation regarding anchor Gayle King, as ratings for her morning show, CBS Mornings, have sharply declined. The network’s new owners, Skydance Media, are vowing to eliminate perceived left-wing bias, raising questions about King’s future at the network.
Recent reports confirm that CBS Mornings has fallen below 2 million viewers, a massive drop of 20% to 30% in the coveted 25- to 54-year-old demographic compared to last year, according to Nielsen. Insiders indicate that the show’s shift toward “woke” programming has alienated traditional viewers who prefer a more optimistic and uplifting morning news experience.
Sources reveal that King, who signed a lucrative extension worth between $13 million and $15 million through May 2024, may not receive a similar deal from Skydance. The impending changes come as the network seeks to recover from a long-standing ratings slump and reposition itself amid a shifting media landscape.
CBS has faced internal challenges, particularly under the leadership of co-CEO George Cheeks, who has promoted diversity and inclusion initiatives that some insiders claim have contributed to the show’s current issues. “The audience doesn’t want woke,” one source stated, emphasizing that viewers are seeking content that resonates with their expectations rather than divisive topics.
The turmoil comes at a pivotal moment for CBS, as Skydance prepares to finalize its $8.4 billion merger with Paramount, expected to close on August 7, 2023. As part of the merger conditions, Skydance has committed to appointing an ombudsman to monitor political bias at CBS News, signaling a potential shift in programming priorities.
Despite the ratings drop, sources maintain that CBS Mornings remains profitable, though its future under Skydance is uncertain. The network’s efforts to diversify its talent pool have also drawn criticism, with some viewers feeling alienated by the lack of representation among its anchors.
As CBS navigates the challenges posed by its new owners, major changes are anticipated. Insiders suggest that the culture at CBS News may need a drastic overhaul to align with audience expectations and boost ratings. “There’s a ton of internal politics,” one insider noted, likening the environment to “The Hunger Games,” where competition is fierce but the network remains mired in third place.
The fallout from these developments raises pressing questions about the future of Gayle King and her role at CBS. As the network prepares for a new era, viewers and industry observers alike are watching closely. What will happen next? Only time will tell, but the urgency of the situation is palpable.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as CBS grapples with its identity and direction in the fast-evolving media landscape.