Celebrity News
Gayle King Reportedly Took Major Pay Cut to Stay at CBS: ‘It’s a Win-Win’ Situation
Gayle King has reached a compromise with CBS, Rob Shuter reported in his Naughty But Nice Substack on Friday, January 9.
The CBS Mornings host, 71, has agreed to take a percent pay cut ahead of her contract expiring in May, and will move to a lighter schedule, sources told Shuter.
“Gayle knew exactly what she wanted: less work, less stress, but still the spotlight,” said one insider said of the move, which comes amid a shakeup from CBS news chief Bari Weiss which included the promotion of King’s cohost Tony Dokoupil to the Evening News desk.
King’s new salary is $10 million — down from an estimated $13-15 million — Shuter reported. “She didn’t just take a pay cut,” another source told him. “She traded hours, meetings, and daily grind for the freedom to do special segments and interviews she actually wants to do.”
“She’s basically moving into a ‘special projects’ role,” another insider agreed. “She can still headline big interviews, still be a face for the network, but she won’t be chained to a morning show desk five days a week.”
“It’s a win-win,” a network executive added. “Gayle keeps her reputation, CBS keeps a marquee name, and the viewers don’t lose her presence entirely.”
