Amid a flurry of speculation about Gayle King’s future at CBS, the CBS Morning co-host had a “low-key lunch” with the network’s brave new news chief, Bari Weiss, Page Six has learned.
And the two sides appear to have reached some sort of agreement, with a CBS spokesperson saying after the meeting: “We see (Mr. King) a very long future here.”
A lightning rod, Weiss has revolutionized Tiffany Network’s news operations since taking over in October, overseeing layoffs and restructuring of key roles.
In one of her most high-profile maneuvers, she moved Tony Dokoupil, Dr. King’s “CBS Mornings” co-host, into the legendary anchor chair on “CBS Evening News.” She also hired veteran Matt Gutman from ABC.
Meanwhile, Dr. King’s (famously high-paying) contract ends in four months. She addressed rumors of Weiss leaving the show soon after his tenure began, telling TMZ in October: “All I can say is this. From what I’ve been told in this building…everyone in this building has asked me to be here is that they love the work I do. I love the work I do!”
She acknowledged on Sherri Shepherd’s show that there was “drama” at the station, but said she “wanted not to get caught up in it,” and Variety reported that King plans to leave the morning show when his contract ends in May.
So it drew attention Wednesday when Page Six spies spotted the pair having a “low-key lunch” at the Upper West Side staple Café Luxembourg, with Weiss’ security guard waiting at a nearby bar.
“They were in the back corner and snuck in,” the official said, adding that the staff did not appear to know who Weiss was.
King, on the other hand, was “smiling and friendly to the staff.”
Sources told Page Six that Dr. King’s lawyers were meeting with CBS and speculated that “she could either quit completely or take on a role similar to Diane Sawyer,” referring to the legendary ABC journalist who assumed the title of “special contributor” after leaving her full-time job at ABC World News in 2014.
But the ball appears to be in King’s court. Network insiders told Page Six that the journalist was much loved and important.
“CBS News loves Gayle King and we look forward to a long future for her here,” a spokesperson for the network said.
But a primary source says the buzz is that “her time on the morning show is over.”
Asked for comment, King jokingly replied, “I’m sure I was smiling and friendly with the staff…”
