Negotiations over Gayle King’s contract renewal are at a standstill as CBS staffers fear that the network can’t meet her demand for an increase in pay.
The veteran journalist reportedly asked the network to double her current 5.5 million salary to continue as the star of “CBS This Morning.”
The Emmy-Award winner has been a prominent anchor on the show since 2012.
Ratings for “CBS This Morning” are apparently on the decline, and network sources fear that without King, the show won’t survive.
According to Page Six, Susan Zirinsky, the new president of CBS News, has been given an additional budget specifically for on-air talent, but there isn’t enough to meet King’s request.
Page Six added that the contract negotiation has been going on for several months and is currently in the hands of the network’s legal team.
King was most recently applauded in headlines for maintaining her professionalism during the emotional sit-down she had with R&B singer, R. Kelly. However, when asked about her future with CBS, King made it clear that the details are private.
“I never ever discuss contracts in the media,” said King. “I think the best place to discuss a contract is with CBS.”
