Hoda Kotb Reportedly Negotiating $8 Million Contract Increase, Sources Say She’s Still Making Less Than Half Of What Her Former Colleague Matt Lauer Was Paid

Hoda Kotb, Matt Lauer

Hoda Kotb Reportedly Negotiating $8 Million Contract Increase, Sources Say She’s Still Making Less Than Half Of What Her Former Colleague Matt Lauer Was Paid

TV anchor Hoda Kotb is reportedly fighting against discriminatory gender pay.

Reportedly, the news broadcaster is demanding a significant increase to her current salary, as she’s still being paid less than half of her male counterparts.

Hoda Kotb

According to a recent report from Radar Online, insiders claim that Hoda Kotb, 59, is demanding that NBC double her contract amount to keep her on as a premiere host of “The Today Show.” Sources report that Kotb, who has been a regular anchor on the network since 2007, is arguing that she’s responsible for the program’s continued success following the scandal of her former colleague Matt Lauer. If you recall back in 2017, Lauer was abruptly fired from the show due to several complaints against him that alleged he was sexually inappropriate and harassing female staffers.

In his place, NBC named Kotb as their new primetime broadcaster. However, it was reported at the time that the network only agreed to pay her an amount that was $18 million less than what they were paying Lauer. The source reportedly claimed that the fired anchor was cashing in $25 million annually while Kotb’s salary was significantly reduced in comparison to $8 million annually. It seems that her contract is now up for renewal, giving Kotb the chance to demand a fair pay increase.

A source familiar with the matter reportedly told news outlets:

“Hoda is negotiating a contract extension, and she wants her pay at least doubled,”

Adding:

“She feels she can strike a blow for not only her own pocketbook, but for women everywhere who are paid peanuts compared to their male colleagues for doing the same job.”

The source also stated that the 50% increase is Kotb’s way of making up for loss pay and time. Presently, there is no word on whether or not NBC will ultimately give in to the request. However, the source claims that there is a good chance she’ll at least get close to what she wants. Especially since their top-paid news anchor Rachel Maddow was able to renegotiate her contract with the company and is now reportedly earning a whopping $30 million annually.

Rachel Maddow

Reportedly, the source added:

“Honestly, NBC has Hoda on the cheap…The network is scared of losing her, so as much as they want to play hardball, Hoda should be able to get at least close to what she wants, which is a deal in the $20 million-a-year range!”

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