CBS News staffers are said to be “pretty salty” that Gayle King offered up a full-throated defense of her new boss Bari Weiss at Tuesday’s all-hands meeting — with some speculating that the network’s popular morning show co-anchor is trying to “stay relevant” and save her job.
One CBS News employee told the Independent that King’s comments were an “utter disappointment,” particularly her focus on leakers and press coverage of the goings-on at the network.
Staffers had hoped King would address concerns about employee morale, looming layoffs and the change in the news division’s editorial direction under Weiss, according to the report.
“She’s not going to say anything against the person who will determine her job status,” one insider told the Independent, adding that defending Weiss was “her only play.”
Last week, The Post reported that CBS News management was looking to possibly reassign King to a new, special correspondent gig that would see her $13 million annual salary slashed in half.
Employees also bristled at King echoing Weiss’ “love it or leave it” message, noting that most staff do not have the financial security to simply walk away.
“Have a little consideration for CBS staffers, Gayle,” one staffer told the Independent. “You’ve earned at least $200 million since joining CBS News and earn millions more from what Oprah pays you to run Oprah Daily. Zero percent of us can just walk away and go back to our Manhattan penthouse to do something else.”
“It just seemed like what started as a rousing speech then became all about her and the press and telling people to leave if they don’t like things like Weiss muzzling stories like CECOT and her pro-MAGA agenda at Evening News,” the staffer added.
“I know Gayle knows being on ‘CBS Mornings’ is what keeps her relevant, but we’re talking about the integrity of our news here.”
Other staffers who spoke with the Independent viewed King’s remarks differently, saying that they “did not get that tone at all” from her and that the 70-year-old host is “beloved” by the morning show crew.
“It was overwhelmingly positive,” one CBS News employee told the publication.
King took many in the news division aback when she stood up and blasted “leakers” who were spreading information to the press about what was taking place behind closed doors.
“I would like to think that we can have conversations, and then we could talk candidly with each other, and it’s not going to be friggin’ be in the paper,” King said, adding: “I am so sick of that. I’m so sick of it!”
The “CBS Mornings” co-host also praised Weiss, the newly installed editor in chief, for laying out “a very good case for what you want this company to be,” adding that she was “appreciative” of the message.
King echoed Weiss’ stance that employees unhappy with the direction of the news division are free to leave.
“If you don’t want to be here, if this is not the place for you, it’s OK,” King said.
Weiss opened the all-hands meeting by acknowledging the turmoil surrounding her first months as editor in chief, telling staff she understood why many felt uncertain or skeptical about her leadership.
“Let me start by saying: I get it. I also get why, in the face of all this tumult, you might feel uncertain or skeptical about me or what I’m aiming to do here,” Weiss said.
“I’m not going to stand up here today and ask for your trust. I’m going to earn it, just like we have to do with our viewers.”
The Post has sought comment from CBS News.
