CBS is losing its rhythm, and Gayle King no longer stands in the spotlight — but in the shadow of unanswered questions. When politics speaks louder than ratings, can television still protect the truth?

*The recent $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger has sparked speculation about the future of “CBS Mornings” and its star anchor, Gayle King. As new CEO David Ellison aims to cut $2 billion in costs, the show’s declining ratings have raised questions about King’s $10 million-a-year role, with her contract set to expire in May.

“There’s always speculation about her inflated salary and entourage,” a network insider told The Independent, noting her high cost amid a shifting political landscape.

Nielsen Research data shows “CBS Mornings” averaging 1.813 million daily viewers through August 12, a 10 percent drop from 2024, trailing NBC’s “TODAY” (2.405 million) and ABC’s “Good Morning America” (2.498 million). The 25-54 demographic has plummeted 19 percent to 315,000 viewers, compared to 543,000 for “TODAY” and 426,000 for “GMA.” Despite a one-day surge to 3.9 million viewers during King’s Blue Origin trip in April, the show struggles, nearly overtaken by Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” (1.602 million).

A network source expressed alarm, stating, “There is serious concern about the ratings slide at [CBS] Mornings,” particularly among female viewers. An AI-generated study found the show perceived as “distressing” and “controversial,” prompting a shift to lighter content.

Donald Trump recently amplified a New York Post report calling King’s future “murky” due to the show’s “woke” agenda.

“Gayle King’s career is over,” he posted on Truth Social, adding, “She never had the courage to stick to her belief in TRUMP. No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!”

Responding on August 5, King told TMZ, “I’m sorry he feels that way,” defending her work and noting, “I enjoy my job.” She placed herself alongside Trump critics like Bruce Springsteen and Stephen Colbert.

Paramount’s cost-cutting, including canceling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” reflects broader industry trends. “Late-night has a huge problem right now,” Paramount President Jeff Shell said, citing YouTube’s dominance.

With “CBS Mornings” still profitable but ad revenue declining, King’s high salary could be at risk, though a CBS staffer called her fate “speculation at this point.”