CBS HUNTS for GAYLE KING’S Replacement Amid EXIT Rumors—Executives Quietly Push for “Someone With AUTHORITY” as Behind-the-Scenes Drama ESCALATES

Rumors are swirling inside CBS headquarters as whispers grow louder about Gayle King possibly stepping away from her anchor role. Insiders claim network executives are already searching for her replacement—someone with “authority” who can command the desk and stabilize the morning show during a time of growing internal tension. But what’s really driving this sudden shift? And is Gayle’s potential exit voluntary—or the result of deeper fractures within the network? The move has fans worried and media insiders scrambling for answers.

Click now to uncover who’s being eyed for the seat—and what this means for CBS’s future.

Gayle King in a still | Credits: CBS This Morning.

While reports surfaced late last year that Gayle King, a broadcast journalist for CBS News, had signed a new deal for the network’s Mornings show (per The Hollywood Reporter), now sources are claiming that she is preparing to leave. Regarding the rumors floating around about it, now sources are claiming that the network is looking for her replacement.

As per what a source exclusively told Rob Shuter for his Substack about the broadcast network,

There’s a mad dash happening right now. They want someone with authority, likability, and the ability to go viral – that’s not an easy mix. They’ve looked at everyone from political anchors to lifestyle hosts, even names from outside the network.

For over a decade now, King has been credited for bringing credibility, warmth, and star power to the network as well as its shows. But now the 70-year-old seems to be “tired of the grind”, which involves waking up at 3.30 a.m. “She’s not saying it outright,” the source explained, “but she’s done it for over a decade. She wants her life back.”

Sources also have the names of the quietly discussed potential replacements for King, which include news correspondent Jericka Duncan, journalist Natalie Morales, and ‘even a possible style steal from rival networks.’ “There’s no obvious heir,” claimed the source. “And that’s what’s freaking them out.” But finding someone as good as King? Tough luck.

Reports claim Gayle King is leaving due to the “mess” CBS is in

Gayle King in a conference | Credits: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Licensed under CCA by SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons.

Although her contract still has a few months before it expires in 2025, reports are claiming that Gayle King may be eyeing the exit door even before it, especially because of the string of drama attached to the network. This includes the recent resignation of Wendy McMahon, the CBS News president, amidst the Donald Trump lawsuit against the network.

For those unversed, the broadcast network is currently fighting a $20 billion lawsuit filed by the president, claiming it wrongly edited an interview with his election opponent, Kamala Harris. Despite this, the network didn’t hesitate to continue to call him out over his efforts to target some of the biggest law firms in the country on the 60 Minutes show.

Turns out, King doesn’t want her legacy to be tied to this “mess.” According to RadarOnline.com, a source previously claimed, “Gayle doesn’t want her legacy tied to these ratings or this mess. She’s weighing her next move carefully, but don’t expect her to stay loyal to a network that can’t even get a morning show off the ground anymore.”

Plus, the insider added, the network has “no direction, no momentum, and no buzz. If Gayle’s smart – and she is – she’ll get.” Additionally, details reveal that the network’s decision to force its morning cast and crew from the expensive Times Square studio back to its former residence at CBS Broadcast Center has reportedly enraged her.

Claiming King was left “blindsided” by this, it added,

Gayle is livid. She sees this as a personal attack. She only signed a one-year extension, and this was not part of the deal. She made it very clear – she’s not going to be shoved into some dingy little room. She expects the same level of comfort and prestige she had at 1515 Broadway. No exceptions.

With that said, it is not known yet how long Gayle King will be continuing her tenure with the broadcast network after all these turns of events, and if CBS will be able to find her perfect replacement or not. Simultaneously, it must be remembered that these are only reports yet to be confirmed officially, so they might as well be taken with a pinch of salt.