By CYDNEY YEATES FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 10:54 EDT, 14 March 2025 | Updated: 11:00 EDT, 14 March 2025
While Gayle King's decision to accept Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's invitation to space immediately sparked fierce debate over journalistic integrity, a reputation expert has claimed that the divisive move will not be the scandal that ends her glistening career.
The CBS Mornings anchor, 70, announced last month that she is amongst the all-female crew headed on Blue Origin's springtime mission alongside philanthropist and businesswoman Lauren, 55, and singer Katy Perry, 40.
They will be joined by former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, 38, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, 33, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, reputation expert Eric Schiffer claims that King's $300,000 rocket ride won't 'nuke' her career – despite the almighty backlash that erupted after it was revealed she was on the line-up.
He also makes the point that King is not the first or the last reporter to accept luxurious gifts, adding that 'special treatment' is part of the job.
'Many say King's credibility hinges on her ability to maintain objectivity and that her space adventure kills public trust,' he began.
'But many forget journalists receive lavish, exclusive access — from the Oscars and Olympics to royal weddings and rocket launches — without losing credibility. In fact, special treatment is viewed as integral to the job, rarely raising concerns about their objectivity.
'While she may not be reporting in an official capacity for CBS, she may chronicle it in the future.
Has Gayle King ruined her reputation by accepting a free ride on Blue Origin's space mission?
Reputation expert Eric Schiffer claims that King's $300,000 rocket ride won't 'nuke' her career
'Sometimes journalists are granted exclusive access to private events, confidential briefings, or behind-the-scenes experiences without immediate reporting — storing observations for future context or deeper storytelling.
'These moments, though often undisclosed initially, can shape insights years later without necessarily compromising journalistic objectivity.'
When the news was announced that King would be heading into space many were left enraged and accused her of cozying up to billionaire Amazon founder Bezos.
Former CNN media analyst Oliver Darcy wrote in his Status newsletter that King's freebie ride into space 'seem(s) like a conflict of interest,' given CBS News strict policies on its anchors accepting freebies.
Darcy also said he was curious who green-lighted King's trip into space and why they chose to say yes.
But Schiffer has fiercely defended King, adding that she should be able to uphold her integrity.
He continued: 'Some say it won't matter and that the damage to her perceived objectivity is huge.
'They're dead wrong, because it suggests a reporter can't gain access while employing integrity and professional boundaries.
The Blue Origin space mission was spearheaded by Jeff Bezos's fiancée Lauren Sanchez
The TV host sparked backlash after it was revealed she was on the line-up for the mission
'This isn't the first time a journalist received exclusive access to extravagance without losing credibility.
'Journalists do gain private or confidential access, storing insights for later reporting without sacrificing objectivity.'
Ultimately, Schiffer does believe that King will be able to return from the Blue Origin space mission with her career intact.
'A rocket ride on Blue Origin won't nuke King's career,' he told DailyMail.com
'It highlights the fine line between access journalism and entertainment in our celebrity-obsessed media landscape, but the buck stops with the integrity of the individual journalist.'