Gayle King New Host for CBS 'This Morning'
Gayle King premiered Monday morning as the host of “This Morning,” a new television show launched by CBS in an attempt to garner more viewers and replace the former “Early Show.”
The show will not be King’s first endeavors in journalism and broadcast. Gale King is well known for her long-standing friendship with Oprah Winfrey, however she started her career in Missouri as a reporter and weekend anchor at WDAF-TV. In the early 1980’s King moved on as anchor for WFSP in Hartford, Connecticut where she stayed for 18 years.
After hosting a few other shows that didn’t seem to last, King became an editor for “O” Magazine. Since, she has become host for “The Gayle King Show” on satellite XM Radio and later, moved to Oprah’s network OWN.
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King was offered the position at CBS in November. After she accepted, she decided to leave Oprah’s network to focus on the new show, which many thought would cause a rift between the two friends.
Oprah however has been supportive, encouraging followers on her Twitter account to tune in to the new CBS show. In an interview with Maryellen Fillo for the blog, Java With Maryellen, Gayle described her excitement for the show. "I am nervous, pressured, exhilarated, thrilled and very humbled," King said.
King was optimistic about the success of the new show. “We all feel it and we all want it to work. There is a new energy and people have noticed it. I'm telling you it's different this time."
She also denied acquiring the position due to her friendship with Oprah. "I am not underestimating the power of Oprah's friendship but I have worked a very long time and this isn't my first rodeo. I have earned this,” King told Fillo.
The new show will be anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill. Anchors and guests will sit around a circular glass desk, facing each other in a less traditional, and more informal manner. Some question whether the show will be able to move CBS from its third place spot, and win out the “Today Show.”
King said she wouldn’t be taking the opportunity for granted and placed high hopes in the show’s success. "This chance is a win, lose or draw," she said. "I plan to win."
