Gayle King’s experience with the CBS morning show serves as a pertinent example of how gimmicks and elitist displays can backfire in the media world. The ratings were initially strong, with CBS Mornings drawing 3.9 million viewers before her highly-publicized flight. However, the true plunge came after her boastful adventure into the skies, where numbers plummeted to under two million in total viewership, with a significant dip in the young adult demographic.
The allure of the stunt momentarily captured public interest, with her numbers spiking. But just like a fleeting trend, when the show dipped back to reality, the audience had vanished by fifty-one percent in total viewers, and by forty-three percent in the young adult demo. What CBS attempted was a desperate gamble for relevance, one that clearly has not paid off in the long term.
King’s decision to participate in an extravagant and costly flight came across as tone-deaf to many viewers, especially when paired with her incredulous reaction to public criticism. Her attempt to be seen as just another relatable morning host fell flat when juxtaposed with her attempt to claim the moniker of “astronaut,” a title many believe she hadn’t truly earned. This disconnect between public persona and actions provides a lesson in authenticity—or the lack thereof.
An industry insider’s pointed comment further highlights the misstep, suggesting that the stunt should never have been greenlit. This critique underscores a fundamental misjudgment of what resonates with audiences today. Viewers want connection and truth, not arrogance and spectacle. Trying to garner sympathy while simultaneously flaunting something as lavish as a so-called “spaceflight” is contradictory and comes off as dismissive of real issues that people face.
Ultimately, the media industry must recognize that audiences are smarter and more discerning than they often credit. They see through shallow attempts to generate buzz and gravitate towards genuine, relatable content instead. CBS’s struggle serves as a stark reminder that style will never triumph over substance.
