Gayle King Speaks Out After ‘CBS Mornings’ Co-Host Tony Dokoupil Is Accused of ‘Bias’
CBS Mornings star Gayle King has spoken out after her co-host Tony Dokoupil sparked controversy for a fiery interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates.
For those who missed it, King, DoKoupil, and Nate Burleson had a sit-down with the author about his new book, The Message, which features a section condemning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. During the September 30 interview, Dokoupil co-opted the conversation and asked many hard-hitting, to some, even biased questions, which made waves across the internet.
“Why leave out that Israel is surrounded by countries that want to eliminate it?” he asked the author. He also called Coates a “radical” and also called out his reputability: “I have to say, when I read the book, I imagine if I took your name out of it, took away the awards, the acclaim … the content of that section would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist.”
King, who like her co-hosts, have remained very quiet about the interview, finally spoke on behalf of everyone from CBS Mornings that was involved on-air. The topic came up during a panel on Tuesday, October 23 at PaleyFest New York. King, seated with Burleson and Dokoupi on stage, handled the question, while the other two did not weigh in.
“And we’re mindful of that. Certain topics you know are just hot-button issues. You have to be very careful about how you ask the questions, how the questions are received. I think we don’t shy away from hard conversations either. So, I think it’s been a learning thing for everybody,” she concluded.
CBS Mornings EP Shawna Thomas, also on-stage for the panel, shared that there have been many “hard” conversations both internally and externally about the interview — and those are ongoing. “I think we’ve learned a lot from those,” Thomas said. “I’m hoping those conversations make us better journalists and better listeners.”
The interview not only divided viewers but also caused an ongoing and very public dispute at CBS News. Here’s a look at some of the key moments internally that have been reported since it aired:
After the interview, CBS News executives fielded complaints from staffers and then held a meeting on October 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. At the meeting, the head of CBS News, Wendy McMahon, and second-in-command Adrienne Roark called out Dokoupil for the interview, according to The Free Press. They argued Dokoupil was biased and “did not meet the network’s editorial standards.”
The interview and its fallout caused a public rift between CBS News and its parent company Paramount Global, according to Deadline. Paramount Chair Shari Redstone strongly backed Dokoupil, calling CBS News’ criticism “a mistake.” The same day, Paramount’s Co-CEO issued a statement backing CBS News.
The unusually open spat within the reputable network comes after a period of upheaval for CBS News and Paramount Global, which is set to be sold to Skydance Media in a deal slated to close in the first half of 2025. The newsroom went through a round of layoffs last month that saw such personalities as Jeff Glor exit along with 15 percent of the staff, Deadline detailed.
During the summer, CBS News longtimer Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews announced that she was stepping down as president of CBS News, a position she held for less than a year.
The hourlong panel today spent only two minutes discussing the Dokoupil-Coates situation.
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Tony's kids lived in Israel, at least up until Oct 7, 2023. I don't know if they still live there or not... it's not my business. But the point is, that Tony obviously is pretty well versed on the situation in Israel, so I agree his questions seem to have been relevant. (Disclaimer: I don't think I saw the interview with Coates, so I can't comment on Tony's 'attitude' or alleged 'bias.' However, the author was likely expecting a softball type of 'tell us about your book' interview.)
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Dr. MLK already told ya”ll that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere ‼️
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O
That apologist for Hamas terror was torn apart.
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J
I don’t understand all that criticism ! Tony is a very professional reporter, and I never understood why they had two reporters doing the night news! I’m sure Tony is doing an excellent job, and I’m enjoying watching him every night!
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I think the secular news has a problem with being neutral on issues. and that's a craft and they have not mastered yet. They put their own beliefs in the mix which doesn't help with hate in America gives more ammunition. We are democracy who are entitled to free speech in free debate everyone has an opinion and everyone's opinion matters and this administration are the only ones that seem to get, that transparency is vital we've been lied to for many years by the media it's a plague & a disease and they will not fix it they continue to say things that are not completely accurate and it needs to stop ASAP. I understand everyone deserves an opinion and everyone deserves to express it we don't have to agree and we don't have to believe in it but we don't kill and we don't cause rhetoric and tell the truth. we need to remain, peaceful loving and caring for one another no matter what color religion political stance we need to unite as a nation and that is that and bring God back into the mix he was our foundation from the beginning and if we take him out we have no foundation there is a Creator and he created each and every one of us with love & care and he expects us to treat each other the same way people need to get over there ridiculous stance that's so radical it's affecting mentally challenged ill people to murder killing innocent kids killing politicians is not the answer it only makes things worse and nothing gets done. And makes us look weak as a nation. Shame on U guys.
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I thinknVladimir should be exchanged with someone who knows more of the culture they are commenting/reporting on..his comments and delivery leave a lot to be desired..I change the station when he speaks!
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B
Tony - You did your job as a journalist. It was refreshing to see some real journalist work while interacting with a guest.
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C
Ta-Nehisi can see all the way back to the beginnings of slavery in America, but somehow he can't see past 1948 when it comes to Israel? His bias is clear. He should visit more of the middle east... and bring his running shoes.
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Ta-Nehisi is anti-Israel and anti-Semitic. Dekopil was correct to call him out.
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