Network banking on Gayle & Barkley to save their bacon
STRUGGLING CNN is pushing to pluck Gayle King away from CBS in a desperate attempt to pull out of a ratings death spiral, insiders say.
Sources tell The National ENQUIRER the scandal-scarred news network, which is suffering its worst ratings in decades, has offered the 68-year-old CBS Mornings star a fat contract to host a prime-time talk show, pairing her with hoops heavyweight analyst Charles Barkley!
“It’s an attractive offer for Gayle because her own show continues to trail Good Morning America and Today in the morning talk show ratings — despite her personal popularity,” dishes a source. “At CNN she would instantly get the benefit of a massive marketing campaign and the full focus of a prime-time spotlight. She’s also a big fan of Charles — and the feeling is mutual.”
The 60-year-old NBA Hall of Famer — who’s been a controversial but widely respected basketball analyst for TNT since 2000 — says about the prospects, “I’m only considering it because of Gayle.”
As The ENQUIRER previously reported, new CNN boss Chris Licht is under pressure to wash off the stain of scandal and pull the network out of its ratings hole. He’s good friends with Gayle from their days together at CBS and would likely open the bank to bring her on board! “Chris needs a win — and he needs it fast — or his job could be on the line,” warns another source.
Licht is already known for decisive action. In a Dec. 1 staff slaughter, he announced a massive round of firings, including longtime correspondents Chris Cillizza, Alison Kosik and Martin
Savidge. He also booted Don Lemon from prime time to a morning show.
Last year, CNN was staggered by scandals with president Jeff Zucker and prime-time anchor Chris Cuomo both leaving in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations.
“Getting Gayle and Charles would be the brass ring Chris is looking for,” says the second source. “And they’re both seriously considering the offer.”