Matt Lauer’s very sudden exit at NBC is still a little shocking in retrospect. The long-time face of the network’s morning news show, Lauer seemed like an untouchable asset, which was only made more apparent by the exorbitant size of his salary.
However, the accusations of sexual harassment left the network with little choice, as the post-Weinstein era of media has made it next to impossible for left-wing outlets to shield their comrades from such allegations. While Lauer may have been the top anchor at NBC, so far, ratings are doing fine, so much so that his replacement has officially been named–and at a cut price.
As reported at Page Six, Hoda Kotb will be taking over Lauer’s hosting duties on the “Today” show, and her salary will be a whopping $18 million less. This is sure to rile up feminists, despite the fact that Lauer had a very long and successful career that resulted in him receiving such a ridiculous salary, whereas Kotb isn’t a known quantity to Americans.
That’s not to say she’s not being compensated handsomely, as she inked a $7 million per year deal, which is the same as her co-host Savannah Guthrie.
One show insider said, “Hoda isn’t complaining about the money. She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves. Plus, Matt’s salary reflected the long time he was on the show — 25 years. If things go well, Hoda could ask for more next time if she re-ups her contract. But the figures underline the huge wage disparity at NBC News.”
A “Today” rep said the organization doesn’t comment on talent contracts. However, former Fox News host Meghan Kelly recently made a huge move to the network and is reportedly earning over $20 million a year. The investment made into Kelly hasn’t been worth it thus far, as her show is a ratings disaster and been a consistent provider of gaffes and awkward moments by Kelly.
An amusing side of this story is that Matt Lauer supposedly sent Kotb a congratulatory text message, to which she actually had a positive response to. Kotb said, “He was sweet this morning . . . he said some nice words.”
Who knows what the future holds for Kotb and the network’s morning shows, but one thing’s for sure, the sexual harassment incidents will likely go down now that Lauer is gone.
Source: Page Six