Gayle King is likely to stay a morning person.
The popular anchor, who has enjoyed a steady stream of big-interview “gets” in recent weeks, is moving closer to signing a new deal to stay at CBS News and “CBS This Morning,” according to two people familiar with the matter. The talks are still in flux, and the possibility remains the two sides may not come to terms, but there is a sense that King and CBS are nearing a new contract.
CBS News declined to comment.
The move would be a first step for new CBS News President Susan Zirinsky as she works to determine which anchors and reporters are best featured in which programs. “CBS This Morning,” “CBS Evening News” and “Face the Nation” have all suffered ratings shortfalls in recent months after CBS News under a different top manager shuffled anchors around in the wake of the ouster of Charlie Rose from the morning program in late 2017.
The decline of viewership for “CBS This Morning” has been a disappointment across the corporation, as the show, which launched in its current version in 2012, had gained traction for CBS in a daypart where it typically lags rivals NBC and ABC. Under Charlie Rose, King and Norah O’Donnell and a narrower focus on news, “CBS This Morning” enjoyed a rise in viewership and gave CBS new leverage with A.M. advertisers.
Executives have mulled a potential morning scramble that could send at least two of the show’s four anchors to other assignments. John Dickerson, who was moved to “CBS This Morning” from “Face The Nation,” may take a new role at “60 Minutes” covering politics, according to three people familiar with the matter. Executives are also contemplating dispatching O’Donnell to the anchor seat of “CBS Evening News,” and possibly relocating the show to Washington, D.C. But they are also considering new producers for “Evening News,” where anchor Jeff Glor and his team have continued to focus on the broadcast despite speculation about the fate of the program.
King would sign a deal at an opportune moment. Her recent interviews with both musician R. Kelly and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam that tackled difficult issues have lent her new cachet. One person familiar with the talks suggested King’s recent success has spurred CBS News to find ways to keep her on board. The network recently aired a primetime special devoted to her R. Kelly interviews and it is believed she would be able to command a raise of some sort in contract talks.
CBS News is believed to be mulling a range of alternatives when it comes to new morning talent. The new unit earlier held talks with former “Today” host Ann Curry, according to four people familiar with the situation. There has been speculation that Ashleigh Banfield, most recently with CNN and HLN, held talks with CBS News executives. Banfield could not be reached for comment. CBS News may also be mulling pairing King with male anchors, with options including veteran CBS anchor Anthony Mason, or CBS correspondents David Begnaud or Tony Dokoupil.
