Gayle King’s Future at CBS Murky as Ratings for ‘Woke’ Morning Show Tank — and Skydance Vows to Scrap Left-Wing Bias

Declining Ratings and the ‘Woke’ Label: Challenges Facing CBS Mornings

CBS is currently grappling with significant challenges surrounding the future of Gayle King, one of its most prominent anchors, as the ratings for the network’s morning show, CBS Mornings, continue to plummet. The show, often criticized for its “woke” programming, has alienated a large portion of its traditional audience, leading to a steep decline in viewership numbers.

Sources close to the network reveal that CBS Mornings has struggled to maintain its audience, especially in the coveted 25- to 54-year-old demographic, where it has lost between 20% and 30% of viewers compared to the previous year. The show’s content, which has leaned heavily into progressive and provocative themes, appears to be at odds with what many morning viewers seek: optimism, cheer, and light-hearted news to start their day.

Gayle King, who has been a fixture on CBS Mornings since 2012, is reportedly part of a culture resistant to change. Executive producer Shawna Thomas, supported by King, has maintained a programming agenda that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), often spotlighting minority and LGBTQ+ voices. While this approach aligns with CBS’s previous leadership vision, it has not resonated well with a broader audience, contributing to the show’s ratings decline.

Internal Struggles and Resistance to Change

The internal dynamics at CBS News have further complicated efforts to revamp the morning show. Former CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon attempted to steer CBS Mornings toward content that appeals to “middle America,” but her directives were reportedly ignored by Thomas, who preferred to focus on niche audiences. This resistance to change has created tension within the network’s leadership.

Moreover, the show’s predominantly non-white anchor lineup, aside from co-host Tony Dokoupil, has been a point of contention among some viewers. Efforts to diversify the talent pool have been met with mixed reactions, and recent hires intended to broaden appeal, such as former Good Morning America weatherman Rob Marciano, have not reversed the downward trend in ratings.

The cultural divide within CBS News is described by insiders as a significant barrier to progress. Many staffers reportedly felt demoralized after the 2024 presidential election, which further impacted the show’s tone and audience connection.

Skydance Media’s Takeover and Commitment to Eliminating Left-Wing Bias

The future of CBS Mornings and Gayle King’s role is now intertwined with the recent acquisition of CBS by Skydance Media. The $8.4 billion merger, finalized in early August 2025, brings new leadership under CEO David Ellison, who has pledged to overhaul the network’s culture and programming approach.

One of Skydance’s key commitments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was to hire an ombudsman tasked with monitoring and eliminating political bias at CBS News. This move signals a clear intention to move away from the “woke” programming that has defined CBS Mornings under its current leadership.

Skydance’s leadership, including former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, is expected to implement sweeping changes aimed at restoring CBS’s competitiveness in the morning show market. This includes dismantling DEI mandates that have been criticized for alienating mainstream viewers and refocusing content on broader, less polarizing topics.

Implications for Gayle King and CBS Mornings

Gayle King’s contract, reportedly worth between $13 million and $15 million annually and extending through May 2026, places her at the center of CBS’s strategic decisions. However, with the network’s ratings in decline and new ownership seeking a fresh direction, it is unlikely that King will receive a similar contract renewal.

The executive producer Shawna Thomas, who has King’s backing, also faces an uncertain future as Skydance aims to install new leadership and programming strategies. Industry insiders suggest that without significant changes, CBS Mornings may continue to struggle to regain its audience.

Despite these challenges, CBS Mornings remains profitable, which could influence how aggressively Skydance pursues changes. Nevertheless, the pressure to boost ratings and shed the “woke” label is mounting.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for CBS Mornings and Gayle King?

The murky future of Gayle King at CBS reflects broader tensions within the network as it confronts declining ratings and a shifting cultural landscape. With Skydance Media’s takeover promising to eliminate left-wing bias and revamp programming, CBS Mornings is poised for significant transformation.

For viewers and industry watchers alike, the coming months will be critical in determining whether CBS can reclaim its place among the top morning shows or continue to lose ground. Gayle King’s role will be a key indicator of the network’s direction and willingness to embrace change.

If you want to stay updated on the latest developments at CBS and how these changes might affect your favorite shows, subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a beat!

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.