Gayle King’s 13-Year Career at CBS Ends Amid Controversy and Change

After 13 groundbreaking years at CBS, Gayle King—once a pillar of American journalism and a cultural icon—finds herself at the center of a media storm.

Reports suggest her tenure at CBS is over, prompting widespread speculation and debate about what really led to her exit and whether she’s the latest casualty of cancel culture or internal network politics.

Gayle King’s rise was hard-earned. Starting in the early 1980s as a production assistant in Baltimore, she forged a path through local news, eventually becoming a trusted anchor in Hartford, Connecticut. Her friendship with Oprah Winfrey became legendary, but it was King’s own charisma and work ethic that landed her the co-anchor seat on “CBS This Morning” in 2012.

She revitalized the show, bringing authenticity and bold interviews—from her memorable R. Kelly confrontation to tough political questions—that made her a face of credibility at CBS. By 2019, she was reportedly earning $11 million a year, making her one of the highest-paid anchors in network news.

But as her star rose, so did tensions and controversies. Ratings began to slip, and CBS underwent leadership changes that brought new priorities. King’s style, once celebrated for its directness, became polarizing.

The first major crack in her image came in 2020, when she questioned WNBA star Lisa Leslie about Kobe Bryant’s past sexual assault allegations just days after his death. The backlash was swift—celebrities like Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent publicly criticized her, and while King and CBS later clarified the context, the damage was done. She was no longer universally beloved; she had become a lightning rod for criticism.

Further controversies followed, with critics accusing her of bias in political interviews or being too harsh on Black men compared to white subjects. Social media amplified these perceptions, and her absence from CBS promotional campaigns in early 2024 fueled rumors of her impending departure.

Insiders suggest CBS was quietly phasing her out, preferring to spotlight younger, more diverse talent and cut costs in a changing media landscape.

Behind the scenes, reports indicate that CBS executives debated how to manage her exit without public backlash. Some allege that power struggles and internal politics, including her close ties to Oprah, made King a target for those seeking change at the top.

Leaked emails and anonymous sources point to a “soft exit” strategy, with contract negotiations and role changes designed to encourage her to leave on her own terms.

CBS eventually released a statement praising King’s years of service but confirming a mutual decision to part ways. The public response was divided: loyal fans launched support campaigns, while critics argued her style had become outdated or alienating.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl that King is in talks with streaming platforms and may return as a special correspondent or producer, signaling her career is far from over.

Gayle King’s exit from CBS highlights the pressures facing veteran journalists in today’s polarized, fast-changing media world. Her story is a reminder of how quickly reputations can shift—and how even the most established figures must adapt or risk being left behind.