New show, who is this? Famed television personality Gayle King is reportedly “seriously considering,” an offer to host a talk show with former NBA player Charles Barkley.
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According to reports from The Jasmine Brand and RadarOnline, the host of “CBS This Morning,” has been offered a major contract by CNN’s CEO Chris Licht for her participation as a host in a show for the network. In conjunction with her proposed NBA broadcaster co-host, King and Barkley’s show would be slated for a primetime spot at CNN — which is allegedly experiencing the worst rating slump in decades currently. CNN is in the midst of dealing with the fallout from a scandal-ridden year in 2022, which saw the exits of both the company’s former President Jeff Zucker, and primetime anchor Chris Cuomo — who were both ousted in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations.
Aside from the real-world implications which seemingly inspired CNN’s offer for the rumored show, a shared history between the trio of King, Barkley, and Licht also appears to play an important role in the purported negotiations. Both King and Licht worked together at CBS throughout the 2010s, and the “CBS Mornings” anchor is reportedly a “favorite,” of the CNN CEO. On the other hand, King and Barkley are said to have built a relationship as a result of the 68-year-old’s bestie Oprah Winfrey, who hosted the former Pheonix Suns player on her OWN network show in 2017 alongside Michael Jordan. While specific details of the financial portion of the offers aren’t currently available, Barkley appeared to express his excitement to do a show with King, as long as its production is not daily, in an interview with the NY Post last month.
“We don’t have anything set in stone. I’m only considering it because of my respect for Gayle.” Barkley said. “I just want to help the company because obviously it [CNN] is a s–t show right now. Anything I can do to help.”
Barkley added, “It would be an honor and a privilege to work with Gayle.”
Barkley added that while a daily show is “never going to happen,” he would need King to commit first in order to move forward with accepting his role for a weekly news assignment.
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However, a source close to Licht told RadarOnline that the TV executive needs to move the needle forward right now.
“Chris needs a win — and he needs it fast — or his job could be on the line,” the source told Radar Online before adding, “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. 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.”
According to a January 2022 report from the LA Times, King signed a new deal to stay with “CBS Mornings,” last year which reportedly pays her $13 million a year. In contrast, Barkley, who recently turned 60, signed a 10-year contract with Warner Brothers Discovery that is allegedly worth upwards of $180 million.