The sweeping downsizing underway at new Paramount Skydance—the combined venture now running CBS News—is raising serious concerns about equity and representation. Its cuts of nearly 2,000 jobs seem to be disproportionately affecting Black, brown and female employees, according to internal sources, and that runs through the highest echelons.
According to a new report in Variety, CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King, who has been a presence on the news programming since 2011, may depart her long-standing role when her contract ends in May 2026. While sources close to the situation state that King may shift to a different role within the news division and CBS News has released a statement that there have “been no discussions” of such a move or exit, the imagery remains: Black and brown faces are being erased from prominence across news media, in a political era that seems determined to eradicate cultural consciousness from our American fabric.
King has been instrumental in elevating our culturally relevant stories: Breonna Taylor’s family speaking out for the first time on her tragic killing at the hands of police officers; coverage of R. Kelly’s infamous outburst, subsequently giving a voice to countless young Black women victimized in his sexual misconduct.
While the Paramount Skydance merger may stem from fiscal needs to result in $2 billion in savings, the firm also signaled that it would step back from its DEI targets, putting our representation at risk in the journalistic and media landscape.
From the unexpected cancellation of The Reid Out, where political pundit Joy Reid unapologetically spoke out about race and cultural biases, to several other prominent Black faces, the scope of our voices is under attack under political, corporate and financial reshuffling.
But that doesn’t mean we should let them be extinguished. Whatever happens in King’s future, she should continue to cultivate a platform where she can advocate for our stories and our place in the national conversation.