CBS Mornings is grappling with a dire ratings slump, sparking a potential shake-up that puts anchor Gayle King’s future at the network in question. With viewership dropping below 2 million and new owner Skydance Media vowing to eliminate perceived progressive bias, the morning show faces a critical turning point. Insiders reveal that the show’s “woke” pivot has alienated viewers, prompting a bold restructuring that could reshape CBS News by 2026.
For the week of July 21, 2025, CBS Mornings averaged just 1.8 million total viewers and 287,000 in the Adults 25-54 demographic, trailing far behind ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today. The show saw a 6% drop in the demo for Q1 2025 compared to prior periods, with second-quarter figures at 1.923 million viewers and 316,000 in the demo, down over 30% from its peak. Critics attribute the decline to an overly progressive tone, which some viewers have dismissed as performative and out of touch.
The crisis aligns with Skydance Media’s $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global, finalized on July 24, 2025, giving CEO David Ellison control over CBS News. Ellison has criticized the network for adopting an “elitist and performative” stance, promising to restore “authentic journalism” by removing DEI initiatives and appointing an ombudsman to ensure balanced reporting. Sources say Skydance views CBS Mornings’ current format as a liability, with Ellison reportedly stating, “The news drifted too far into ideology—it’s time to refocus.”
Gayle King, the 70-year-old anchor and Oprah Winfrey protégé, is at the heart of the storm. Her $13-15 million contract runs through May 2026, but insiders told the New York Post her position is “tenuous” amid the ratings collapse and Skydance’s overhaul. King’s high-profile moments, like her 2025 space stunt that briefly pushed viewership to 2.45 million, haven’t sustained momentum. While her charisma remains a draw, some argue her alignment with progressive narratives has fueled viewer backlash, with social media posts on X like @NewsWatcher23 lamenting, “CBS Mornings feels like a lecture, not news.”
Skydance’s aggressive push for change has sparked debate. Supporters applaud the move toward neutrality, while critics warn it risks alienating diverse audiences. The question now is whether King can adapt to a less ideological format or face an early exit. As CBS Mornings battles for relevance, Skydance’s message is clear: evolve or be left behind. The network’s future hangs on delivering results in a fiercely competitive landscape.
