On Tuesday, People Magazine revealed their cover: Hoda Kotb would be replacing Matt Lauer as the full-time co-anchor of the Today Show. Hoda and Savannah Guthrie will now be the first female co-anchors of NBC News’ crown jewel, their biggest revenue stream, the Today Show. I know many of you didn’t really care, but it’s a very small step of progress, especially considering there were rumors that NBC News was looking to replace Lauer with another man, because men in charge of news divisions can’t even comprehend the idea of not having a man front any show. Vanity Fair did an in-depth story about how the decision was made, and how Hoda was basically NBC’s only real option at this point.
You would think that Matt Lauer would still have enough shame to just keep quiet and not say anything about being replaced. You would be wrong. Hoda told media outlets on Tuesday that Lauer texted her: “I did hear from [Matt], yeah. He texted me and he said congratulations and some really nice words, and it meant the world when I saw the text pop up. My heart just went like, you know, it meant the world to see that.” Gross. It’s gross that Hoda and Savannah are falling all over themselves to rehabilitate Lauer’s image when it’s clear that he was literally trapping women in his office so he could assault, harass and abuse them.
Here’s something else that is somewhat notable, albeit unsurprising: Hoda is getting paid a lot less than Matt Lauer.
Hoda Kotb made history by officially landing Matt Lauer’s former “Today” job — but she is still being paid around $18 million less per year than her disgraced male predecessor. On Monday, Kotb was named co-anchor of the NBC franchise, making for its first-ever all-female-fronted lineup. NBC sources say Kotb landed a $7-million-a-year deal — the same as co-host Savannah Guthrie. Lauer, of course, was getting $25 million a year until he was fired in November for “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.”
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. But Megyn Kelly still remains on a monster deal — as high as $20 million a year just for hosting the 9 a.m. hour. Kelly awkwardly congratulated Kotb on Tuesday, ominously referring to “a dark period” Kotb had 10 years ago, without explaining that it was due to a cancer battle.
Plus, Kotb will continue to do the heavy lifting for “Today” as she carries on hosting with Kathie Lee Gifford at 10 a.m. Kotb gets up at around 4 a.m. to host “Today” from 7 to 9 a.m., then records updates for the West Coast and other video before going back on the air.
We’re told if Kotb — whose new contract currently keeps her hosting with Gifford — does decide to leave the 10 a.m. show, Gifford wants one of her friends to join her for her morning pinot grigio, such as Marlo Thomas or Kris Jenner.
I hate to say this, but I would watch Kris Jenner and Kathie Lee get drunk together every morning. That would be quality television. As for Hoda’s paycheck… I mean, of course. Of course she’s being paid less than a third of what Lauer was being paid. With all of the revelations about men in the media and the payouts at Fox News and the stories about Lauer’s rape button, it just makes me wonder… how much are men willing to pay to cover up for other men? How much are men willing to pay to reinforce their own mediocrity and maintain their bro culture? Fire them all and replace them with women.
Photos courtesy of NBC and WENN.
I don’t think it’s scandalous that Hoda is paid a lot less than Matt. He was there for 25 years. It’s more surprising that she has the same rate as Savannah. She’s been there a lot longer and doing an extra hour of hosting.
This is where I fall too, in theory. He was there for 25 years and for better or worse was the face of the network. Although there is something to be said for “equal work, equal pay” or in this case, more work because she’s doing two shows. I hope they renegotiate her contract in the near future given the change in her duties.
Agree. I don’t watch morning tv (shudder) but I’m glad NBC finally realized you don’t need a man to give “credibility.” They probably were shocked when the ratings actually went up after Lauer left.
I think it’s scandalous how much he was paid. This horrible new information notwithstanding, even before, there was something repellent and offputting about him. Plus, he didn’t seem sincere. I frankly think he was tired of the job. It’s good he’s gone. In every way.
I love Hoda. I find her warm and lovely. It was such a pleasure to see how happy she was when she announced that she had become a mother. Endearing. Plus, she made Kathy Lee likeable just through her enjoyment of their conversations and that they seemed to have fun together. A very good choice.
Hoda was there for almost 20 though.
As much as I admire Hoda, I can’t understand how she and her co-hosts are still so delighted by Lauer’s gestures. Yuck, he has always been demeaning and hostile towards women on the show and with the recent horrendous revelations he is poison. I don’t get why they adore him.
Me neither. Even if personally, privately they have affection for him- leave the heartbroken mentality off the air. He screwed himself and left victims in his wake. No sympathy.
Everyone on that show needs to never refer to him again. I don’t give a crap what his opinions are. He is a shit human, and them acting like he’s the star quarterback who graduated is sickening.
I’d like to know what his pay was when he began as co-anchor in 1997.
Less than half seems like an insult. She should at least get half and then a large raise if they decide to keep her in that slot.
That’s what I think too
If she is pulling double duty, she should be paid more. She is doing essentially two shows and being paid for only one.
Her salary seems appropriate for her current status on TV. I’m sure if the Today Show keeps doing well in ratings and she becomes a sought after face, that money will go up.
Well to be honest she’s not sexually assaulting her staff: That must be good for a few million a year and if she’s not willing to take it on then oh well: *sarc*
I’m not surprised it’s less, he was there a long time and had NBC convinced he was worth it (he was not). What ‘s surprising is how much less, not just for her but for Guthrie also. SG has been there for several years and making less than 1/3 of him?
I love that Hoda got this gig; she’s good at the hard hitting news and the fluff. She’s got a good handle on how to be emotional without being overly sappy (with the exception of her daughter which is totally fine with me!) That was the line Ann Curry crossed too often – the gushing over stories and celebrities.
I like the team of Hoda and Savannah. I will watch, for sure.
I like Hoda and think she’s breath of fresh air for that show. If she’s pulling double duty I think she should, at the very least, be paid more than Savannah. Plus she’s been at the network longer than Savannah.
All that said, I saw an interview with her yesterday and she was beaming ear-to-ear that Lauer had text her some sort of congratulations after the announcement, and that his text meant the world to her. Why, why, why?!?! I also read an interview in People with Savannah saying she’s learning how to be a devoted friend to him despite the allegations. I do not understand these women at all! They have such a strong and visible platform, why push these messages?
Seems like you get extra pay for sexually harassing people.
Pay her the same. Same job same pay. Period. Stop making excuses for payment discrimination. Does he do it any better? Nope. Pay Hoda the same as the man she replaced. Pay Savannah the same as her former co-anchor. This should not even be a thing in 2018. This should not be a thing at all.
So she worked there almost 20 years, increased the ratings, whilst Lauer had decreasing rating when he was still on yet she gets paid significantly less. Hmmm… In 5+ years are they gonna offer her a raise and an automated door closer?
Meagan K. Earns what???,??