Gayle King’s illustrious 13-year tenure at CBS is on the brink of a stunning end. Known as the anchor of CBS Mornings, King has long been a fixture in the television world, with her warm and engaging style captivating audiences for years. But now, sources close to the network are revealing that her time at CBS could soon come to an end, with her contract negotiations slated for a tough showdown this September. Despite her massive success and high-profile status, tensions within CBS News and a series of shifting priorities could ultimately end her time at the network.

The Struggles Behind the Spotlight

King’s career at CBS began in 2012, when she joined CBS Mornings alongside Charlie Rose and Norah O’Donnell. Over the years, King’s show became one of the key morning news programs, and she quickly rose to become the face of the network. Her popularity only soared as she handled some of the most high-profile moments in journalism, from interviews with world leaders to her role in covering breaking news events.

However, the CBS ratings have recently hit a decline, and with it, King’s future at the network is being called into question. Despite being one of the highest-paid anchors with a salary exceeding $10 million, insiders say that her pay now seems disproportionate to her show’s struggling viewership. According to sources, King’s yearly compensation was slashed from $13 million to a reduced figure last year after a one-year deal.

The Turmoil at CBS News

CBS News, under the leadership of Wendy McMahon, is undergoing significant upheaval. McMahon’s recent resignation has raised even more questions about the network’s future, as its key programs, including CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News, have suffered steep ratings declines. McMahon’s efforts to revitalize the programs were unsuccessful, and her departure has added fuel to the fire. Now, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski will face the difficult task of trying to turn things around—possibly without King’s high-profile presence.

One insider mentioned that losing King could be catastrophic for the network’s morning lineup, which is already faltering in terms of ratings. “Tom doesn’t have enough hands to plug the holes in the dam,” the source said, referring to the challenge Cibrowski faces in managing CBS News amidst these struggles.

Skydance Merger and New Challenges

Paramount, CBS’s parent company, is also facing major financial constraints ahead of its merger with Hollywood studio Skydance Media. As part of the company’s efforts to cut costs, Paramount is expected to reduce its budget further, with another round of cuts anticipated to take place soon. As the merger proceeds, it’s unclear whether Skydance will retain King, especially with the show’s diminishing viewership numbers.

Insiders have noted that the future of CBS Mornings seems uncertain, and it could become even more unstable if King decides to walk away. A source familiar with the situation said, “Skydance is definitely not going to keep her with those numbers,” referring to the ratings struggles.

The Ratings Rollercoaster

One brief spike in viewership occurred when Gayle King took an unforgettable trip to space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. The exclusive coverage of King’s space flight, which was shared by her all-female crew including pop star Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez, gave CBS Mornings a momentary ratings boost. On April 14, the program topped the morning news ratings, pulling in roughly 3.9 million viewers—surpassing NBC’s Today and ABC’s Good Morning America.

However, that moment was short-lived. Following the space coverage, CBS Mornings saw its ratings drop once again, sinking below 2 million viewers, with NBC and ABC continuing to outperform the show.

A Future in Flux

As Gayle King’s future at CBS remains uncertain, the network’s challenges are becoming more apparent. The company faces a critical juncture, with key staff changes, leadership upheaval, and dwindling viewership. For King, the prospects of securing another long-term contract appear dim, especially with her hefty salary and the network’s financial woes.

One thing is clear: Gayle King has been a vital figure in CBS’s journey, but her future with the network may hinge on how the ratings and company restructuring play out in the coming months. As CBS Mornings continues to struggle in the ratings race, CBS must now navigate this critical decision that could mark the end of an era for the news program.

Conclusion: The End of an Era?

Gayle King’s tenure at CBS has been a remarkable one, filled with groundbreaking interviews, moments of television history, and the kind of journalistic integrity that defines great news programs. But as CBS faces mounting challenges, it’s unclear whether King will remain at the network for much longer.

With contract negotiations looming and CBS continuing to face financial strain from its impending merger, the question remains: will Gayle King get a “miracle” one-year deal or will CBS move in a different direction? The answer could shape the future of CBS Mornings and the network’s standing in the competitive world of morning television news.