The salary for new “Today” anchor Hoda Kotb has been revealed. Kotb will reportedly make $7 million a year.
While that’s very high, it’s much, much less than the man she replaced made.
Matt Lauer was being paid $25 million a year before being forced to step down recently amid allegations of “inappropriate sexual behavior” in the workplace.
“Hoda isn’t complaining about the money. She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves,“ an unnamed show insider told the paper. ”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 representative for the “Today” show said the organization doesn’t comment on talent contracts.
Megyn Kelly, another recently hired “Today” host, makes around $20 million a year, though, for just hosting the 9 a.m. hour.
Kotb’s responsibilities will take up more of her time, as she will start hosting “Today” from 7 to 9 a.m. before continuing to host with Kathie Lee Gifford again at 10 a.m. Kotb, 53, has been co-hosting with Gifford since 2008.
Lauer, 59, said in his statement that some of the accusations against him were “untrue or mischaracterized” but that “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.”
Kotb said she received a text from Lauer after her promotion.
Her co-host, Savannah Guthrie, then added, “There is no question our hearts are with Matt and always will be and we love him. There is no one that would be cheering Hoda more than Matt.”
“I think Savannah and I are both late bloomers in the mom department,” said Kotb, who adopted a daughter in early 2017.
“And I think it makes us appreciate it so much more. I think there’s something about waiting for something and having our children and realizing what our priorities are, and you’re right—we have our loves in order. I feel the same way Savannah does, like I race home. And you can’t believe that someone is so excited that you just opened the door. I’m like, ‘Oh my God!’”
