OMG! Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb Earn $18 Million Less Than Former ‘Today’ Star Matt Lauer

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the media world, it has been reported that current Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb are earning a combined $18 million less annually than their disgraced former colleague, Matt Lauer. The startling disparity in pay has raised eyebrows and sparked intense discussions about gender, compensation, and the evolving landscape of morning television.

Matt Lauer, who was fired from Today in 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct, reportedly earned a staggering salary of $25 million per year during the peak of his tenure. In contrast, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, two of the most prominent and beloved figures in American morning television, reportedly take home significantly less—around $7 million each per year.

This difference has prompted many to ask: How can two of the most influential hosts in modern broadcasting be paid so much less than someone who was fired under a cloud of controversy? And what does this salary disparity reveal about the current state of Today and the broader entertainment industry?

Matt Lauer’s Legacy: A Dark Chapter for Today

Before his firing in 2017, Matt Lauer was the face of Today for over two decades. During his reign as co-anchor, Lauer became one of the highest-paid figures in American television, with a reported salary of $25 million a year at the height of his career. His salary, combined with his prominence on the show, made him a key driver of Today‘s success during its golden years.

However, Matt Lauer’s legacy is forever tarnished by the scandal that led to his abrupt firing. Allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, brought to light by multiple women, led NBC to sever ties with Lauer after 20 years of hosting Today. The shocking nature of the accusations, coupled with his fall from grace, created a significant gap in public perception—one that has been difficult for the network to erase.

Lauer’s pay was seen by many as an unfortunate product of the entertainment industry’s long-standing issues with unequal compensation, especially when it comes to gender. His departure left Today searching for new faces to lead the show, with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb stepping into pivotal roles in the years that followed.

The Pay Gap: A Surprising Disparity

Despite their critical roles in keeping Today at the forefront of morning television, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb earn far less than Matt Lauer did at the peak of his career. Reports suggest that Savannah Guthrie makes approximately $7 million per year, while Hoda Kotb reportedly earns the same amount. When combined, their total salary is still significantly less than Lauer’s $25 million.

This discrepancy has left many scratching their heads. Savannah Guthrie, known for her hard-hitting journalism and hosting skills, has been the anchor of Today since 2012. She has covered numerous major events, including presidential elections and breaking news stories, earning her a reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Hoda Kotb, meanwhile, is beloved for her warmth, humor, and relatable personality, and she has become a fan favorite on the show, co-hosting alongside Guthrie in a highly successful partnership.

Both Guthrie and Kotb have cultivated loyal fanbases over the years, and their combined efforts have helped Today maintain its spot as one of the top-rated morning shows. Despite their enormous contributions, however, they still earn a fraction of what Lauer once did.

The Gender Pay Disparity: A Continuing Problem in Media

The pay gap between Matt Lauer and his female counterparts raises larger questions about gender inequality in the media industry. Lauer, a male journalist who was fired for misconduct, received a higher salary than two women who have demonstrated years of skill, commitment, and professionalism. This disparity highlights a broader issue in the entertainment industry: women, especially in positions of power and influence, continue to be paid less than their male counterparts, even when their performance is equally strong.

The issue of gender pay inequality has been a hot topic in Hollywood, corporate America, and the media for years. Despite significant progress in some areas, women continue to earn less than men in many industries. For women in broadcasting, the pay gap is especially evident when comparing the salaries of high-profile male hosts with their female colleagues. In the case of Today, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb are prime examples of this imbalance.

A Changing Landscape at Today

Since the departure of Matt Lauer, Today has undergone significant changes. The hiring of new talent, including Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, has brought a fresh energy to the show, and both women have helped the show reclaim its position as a leader in the morning television space.

The shift in Today’s co-hosting lineup is also a reflection of changing public attitudes towards workplace behavior and the #MeToo movement. Matt Lauer’s firing was a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry, signaling a greater accountability for misconduct and an increasing demand for transparency. In the wake of these changes, the show has adopted a new tone, one that embraces diversity, authenticity, and inclusivity, with female hosts taking on prominent roles.

Despite their critical roles in revitalizing the show, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb have faced challenges that go beyond salary. They are now tasked with navigating the delicate balance of honoring the show’s legacy while forging new paths in a changing industry. The reality is that even though they’ve helped elevate Today to new heights, the pay gap remains a stark reminder of the disparities that exist within the entertainment world.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Broadcasting?

The shocking pay disparity between Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb raises important questions about how the media industry compensates its stars—and what needs to change moving forward. If female hosts who are beloved by millions and bring immense value to their programs continue to earn less than their male counterparts, it speaks to a broader systemic issue that has yet to be fully addressed.

The Today show’s evolving roster of talent, including the powerful pairing of Guthrie and Kotb, suggests that the network is aware of the need for a more inclusive and diverse approach to its programming. Still, when it comes to pay, the issue of gender inequality remains a glaring issue that cannot be ignored.

For viewers and industry insiders alike, this news serves as a wake-up call. As the media industry continues to evolve, it will be essential for networks to address pay disparities head-on and ensure that all hosts—regardless of gender—are compensated fairly for their work.

The Road Ahead: Will NBC Address the Pay Gap?

As public scrutiny continues to grow over the pay disparity at Today, many are wondering whether NBC will take steps to rectify the situation. Will Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb receive pay increases to better align with their value to the show, or will the industry continue to undervalue its most talented female hosts?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this pay gap is a conversation that can no longer be ignored, and the media industry as a whole will need to take a hard look at how it compensates its talent—especially when it comes to gender equality.

Final Thoughts

The news that Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb earn $18 million less than Matt Lauer has sparked a conversation about gender pay disparities, the changing landscape of broadcasting, and the value of female talent in the media industry. While Today continues to thrive with these two incredible hosts at the helm, it’s clear that the industry still has a long way to go in ensuring equal pay for equal work. The future of broadcasting will likely hinge on how networks like NBC address these issues and work to ensure fair compensation for all its stars, regardless of gender.

For now, fans of Today will continue to tune in to see the impressive work of Guthrie and Kotb—but they’ll also be watching closely to see how the media industry handles this crucial issue of pay equity.