CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss Angling to Replace Gayle King With Hoda Kotb on ‘CBS Mornings’

Beloved Today alum Hoda Kotb is being courted by bigwigs at CBS to replace dimming daytime star Gayle King amid a major shake-up that’s already seen veteran anchor John Dickerson depart the Tiffany Network, sources say.

“Let’s be clear — he didn’t quit. He was pushed. That shows that nobody is safe,” an insider explains. “People with big salaries and small ratings are going to be mercilessly cut — and Gayle fits the bill in both categories.”

Sources exclusively tell Rob Shuter that Bari Weiss, the newly installed editor-in-chief of CBS News, is quietly pursuing Hoda, 61, to take over CBS Mornings as 70-year-old Gayle’s contract ticks toward its 2026 expiration.

“CBS is done accepting third place,” a high-level network source shares. “Bari wants a huge name who brings warmth, credibility — and viewers. And Hoda checks every box.”

Insiders say Hoda has regretted her decision to leave Today in January 2025 to launch a poorly received wellness empire and craves a return to TV.

“She’s realized that her real power is mornings,” says one source. “Hoda is morning TV. She is the comfort America trusts with its coffee.”

Insiders dish that Weiss is wooing Hoda with the promise of making her central to CBS Mornings.

“For the first time, she’d be the star,” a rival exec notes. “No Savannah [Guthrie]. No Kathie Lee [Gifford]. Bari is offering her the spotlight — and the kingdom that comes with it.”

Multiple insiders admit that may be a real possibility as Hoda’s current contract with NBC is “nowhere near ironclad.”

Sources gab Gayle — with her $10 million annual salary — has a bull’s-eye on her back as CBS Mornings consistently finishes behind Today and ABC’s Good Morning America in the ratings, notching an audience share that’s been up to 20 percent lower than last year.

Sources predict Gayle could be one of many high-priced targets as CBS parent Paramount Global is reportedly gearing up for massive layoffs that may see as many as 1,000 workers kicked to the curb.

An insider notes, “Gayle sees the writing on the cue cards. CBS wants change — and they want it yesterday.”