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CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is reportedly considering major changes involving longtime "CBS Mornings" anchor Gayle King as the veteran journalist’s contract expires in May.
According to Variety, Weiss may be scrutinizing King’s role in part because of her reported $15 million annual salary. King, 71, has co-anchored the network’s flagship morning show since 2012.
Sources told Variety that King is weighing several options, including accepting a reduced salary to remain on "CBS Mornings" for another year or transitioning into a special correspondent role once her current contract ends.
Speculation about King’s future initially swirled in October, when she publicly disputed reports that she was preparing to exit the network.
“I don’t know what to tell you about it, but what I’m hearing in the building is not what I’m reading in the press,” King told TMZ at the time, adding that she had “no idea” what would happen after May.
A CBS spokesperson said then that “no discussions” had taken place regarding King’s contract, calling her “a truly valued part of CBS.”
Weiss, 41, was installed as CBS News’ top editor by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison and has overseen sweeping changes aimed at reshaping the network and broadening its appeal, including to conservative audiences. Since taking the role, Weiss has shuttered "CBS Saturday Morning," "CBS Evening News Plus," and "CBS Mornings Plus." Veteran anchor John Dickerson departed the company amid the restructuring.
As Weiss continues to remake CBS News’ lineup and tone, King’s high-profile role and salary appear to place her among the next potential targets amid the ongoing shakeup.
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