CBS Wake-Up Call

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 24, 2026

CBS Mornings recorded its lowest-ever week of viewership with an average of 1.59 million viewers, marking a 13% decline from last year and raising concerns about leadership under CBS News President Tom Cibrowski. The ratings slump highlights ongoing internal conflicts over the show’s direction and content, as critics argue the program's focus on lighter topics and lack of a permanent third co-host have weakened its appeal amid audience demand for more substantive news.

CBS News is facing mounting pressure following a significant decline in viewership for its morning program, “CBS Mornings.” The show, anchored by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, recorded an average audience of 1.59 million viewers during the week of July 13, marking the lowest-rated week in its history and a 13% drop compared with the same period last year, according to Nielsen ratings.

The downturn has placed the spotlight on CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, who took over oversight of the program earlier this year at the direction of CBS Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. Sources indicate there have been internal tensions between Cibrowski and Weiss, with differing visions for the network’s direction reportedly complicating collaboration. Industry insiders suggest that with viewership continuing to fall, Cibrowski could be held accountable for the show’s struggles.

Since assuming leadership of “CBS Mornings,” Cibrowski has not yet filled the permanent third co-host position left open after Tony Dokoupil transitioned to “CBS Evening News” in January. Additionally, the executive replaced show executive producer Shawna Thomas with Jon Tower on an interim basis earlier this year; however, Cibrowski appears to be directing the program’s overall strategy.

Critics within the network have pointed to the rotating roster of temporary co-hosts working alongside King and Burleson as a factor undermining the show’s consistency and viewer appeal. Some insiders also contend that Cibrowski’s approach to programming, which has emphasized lighter, lifestyle-oriented content such as weight loss, weather, and holiday travel, has failed to resonate with audiences seeking substantive news coverage.

An internal source noted that while Tower has advocated for more investigative and enterprise reporting—particularly for the pivotal 7:30 a.m. segment produced by the investigative unit led by Matt Mosk—such content has been limited. This contrasts with the expressed audience demand for more in-depth news, which some sources say the current format has not adequately addressed.

The latest week’s ratings continue a troubling trend for "CBS Mornings," which has recorded its lowest ratings in the first quarter as well as its weakest May and a projected weakest June on record. Despite ongoing efforts by Weiss to revamp CBS News broadly, the morning program remains a distant third in its competitive landscape among network morning shows, both prior to and during her tenure.

CBS declined to comment on the recent ratings performance and internal dynamics.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.