Why Hoda Kotb isn’t making Matt Lauer’s salary: “TV thrives on paying new people in old positions significantly less”

Variety

There are exceptions like Megyn Kelly, but salaries usually grow the longer a person stays in a particular position. That's according to Brian Steinberg, who explains why, in her new role as Today co-anchor, Kotb will be earning $7 million, compared to predecessor Lauer's reported $25 million a year. “While the optics of the financial arrangement have spurred a very worthwhile and necessary discussion about compensation parity among men and women in the media business,” he says, “the simple fact is that Kotb is being treated much like almost any other anchor or host who takes over a coveted and long-held post on a venerable TV program. TV networks often see opportunity in such transitions, because it typically means a cutback in salary outlay. It’s a fair gamble, for example, that Stephen Colbert wasn’t given David Letterman’s salary upon taking over CBS’ Late Show, or that Trevor Noah was not immediately handed Jon Stewart’s financial arrangement upon being given the reins to Comedy Central’s Daily Show. Lauer, no doubt, wasn’t immediately festooned with Bryant Gumbel’s paycheck when he graduated to a Today co-anchor slot in 1997.”

ALSO:

• Kotb tells People: "I'm not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close”
• Why neither Matt Lauer nor Hoda Kotb deserve to making $25 million a year
• Kotb has “overperformed” in her role, having worked at NBC News for 20 years while bringing big numbers to Today's 10 a.m. hour for a decade
• Kotb deserves a larger salary since she’s "pulling double duty” as she continues co-hosting the 10 a.m. hour
• TV veterans say Kotb’s promotion was “not that complicated” and “there was no one else”
• Al Roker shuts down a Twitter troll who wanted “a seasoned man” to replace Matt Lauer