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Gayle King, the longtime face of CBS Mornings, is reportedly preparing to step away from the anchor desk next year as CBS News undergoes one of its most turbulent overhauls in recent history.
 
According to insiders cited by Variety, King's contract with the network expires in May, and while negotiations are still fluid, the 70-year-old anchor may transition into a new production or hosting role within CBS. The network has not confirmed any departure, insisting she remains "a truly valued part of CBS."
 
The reports surface as CBS News contends with sweeping budget cuts, the cancellation of multiple programs, and nearly 100 staff layoffs under new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. Several high-profile figures, including CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson and CBS Saturday Morning hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, have also been shown the door in recent weeks.
 
An insider told The Post that King's "politics and approach" differ sharply from Weiss's leadership style, though both sides are said to be exploring ways to keep King on board. One option reportedly includes developing her own show under the CBS umbrella, similar to how Norah O'Donnell remained a senior correspondent after leaving CBS Evening News earlier this year.
 
King, who joined the network in 2011 when the program was still CBS This Morning, helped redefine CBS's early-hour brand with her steady on-air presence and high-profile interviews. Her poised handling of R. Kelly's explosive 2019 interview remains one of the most memorable moments in recent broadcast history.
 
Despite King's popularity, industry insiders have speculated for months that her reported $10 million annual salary may no longer be sustainable, particularly as CBS Mornings trails competitors Good Morning America and Today in ratings.
 
The potential exit comes as CBS's parent company, Paramount, finalizes its merger with Skydance Media, a move signaling a shift toward cost efficiency and a broader political rebranding.
 
For now, King remains on air with co-hosts Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil, anchoring a show that may soon look very different without her signature warmth and authority.