CBS Mornings executive producer Shawna Thomas announced her departure from the show, stating in a memo to colleagues that she is 'tired' and will leave at the end of the month [1]. Thomas' exit follows other recent departures from CBS News, including producers and '60 Minutes' correspondent Anderson Cooper, amid editor-in-chief Bari Weiss’ takeover of CBS News [1]. CBS News President Tom Cibrowski confirmed Thomas would be stepping away from the broadcast at the end of the month, with Jon Tower set to oversee CBS Mornings on an interim basis [1].
Despite these changes, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King announced a contract extension and will remain with the show, although she will have a new executive producer starting in April [1]. Thomas expressed gratitude for King's talent and work ethic, highlighting her contributions to the program [1]. Thomas also noted her efforts over five years to make the show something the team would want to be a part of, and credited the team for expanding her definition of storytelling [1].
CBS Mornings has historically drawn a significantly smaller audience compared to ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today, and is expected to continue adjusting its content to improve ratings. Variety reported the show would take on a 'softer stance' [1]. Recent exits, including veteran CBS News producer Mary Walsh and CBS Evening News producer Alicia Hastey, have been linked to a 'sweeping new vision' at CBS News, prioritizing a break from traditional broadcast norms [1].
Thomas will transition responsibilities to Jon Tower and Peter Burgess in the coming weeks, and she previously spent a decade at NBC News, as well as stints at Vice and Quibi before joining CBS News in 2021 [1].
CONCLUSION
CBS Mornings is undergoing significant leadership changes, with executive producer Shawna Thomas departing and Jon Tower stepping in on an interim basis. Despite recent staff exits, co-host Gayle King has extended her contract, signaling continuity for viewers. The show is expected to continue evolving its content in an effort to boost ratings and adapt to CBS News' new vision.