Gayle King, a prominent anchor on "CBS Mornings," is reportedly "not happy" about the potential return of Norah O’Donnell to co-anchor the program, according to sources. This development comes as CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss is reportedly exploring significant changes to the show.
Sources indicate that King expressed dissatisfaction upon seeing new show promotions that included O’Donnell, who has been filling in periodically. The potential return of O’Donnell is occurring as the show seeks to replace Tony Dokoupil, who moved to "CBS Evening News" earlier this year. "Gayle was not happy," one source stated. "She does not want Norah to return to the show."
Another source described the relationship between King and O’Donnell as cordial but bordering on "frenemies," referencing a strained dynamic when they previously co-anchored the network's morning program between 2012 and 2019. A network source emphasized King's central role in the decision-making process for a new co-host, asserting that "nothing will happen without her blessing."
While O’Donnell is considered a leading candidate for the vacant co-host position, she is not yet confirmed. Other individuals reportedly being considered include Eva Pilgrim, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and CBS News anchor Kelly O’Grady.
Beyond selecting a third anchor, sources have indicated that Weiss is contemplating a relaunch of "CBS Mornings" with a format inspired by MSNBC’s "Morning Joe," which combines commentary and opinion on current events. Although a drastic overhaul is not expected this fall, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and interim executive producer Jon Tower aim to name a permanent co-host by September, along with initial programming adjustments.
An insider noted that the show is aiming for a more "live" feel with fewer on-air personalities and that Tower, who previously worked on "Morning Joe," desires a more relaxed on-air dynamic. The expectation is for the program to become more "chat-driven in the vein of ‘Morning Joe,’" with hosts delving more deeply into topics rather than covering numerous short news stories. This potential shift has led to internal discussions about the show's direction.
Reports of Weiss's plans to revamp the broadcast have reportedly generated anxiety within CBS News. Some insiders have expressed concern that the show might move away from traditional news delivery, with one source suggesting it could become "a podcast" and questioning the suitability of current hosts to provide the necessary in-depth analysis.
O’Donnell's career has reportedly seen an upswing under Weiss, who assumed her role last October. Following her departure from "CBS Evening News," O’Donnell transitioned from a senior correspondent to a correspondent for "60 Minutes" and launched a new podcast. Her potential return to the morning show, which she previously co-anchored, is seen by some as a move that could benefit from her political reporting experience.
CBS News has declined to comment on the developing situation. While a "Morning Joe-style" format has been discussed internally, a network source denied that such a significant change was planned.