There are changes in the wind for a number of Jay Leno staffers on NBC’s ‘Tonight Show’ following a two week hiatus for the London Games.
In an unexplained downsizing, 20 people received pink slips terminating their employment from the popular late-night talk show, thought it isn’t yet clear which segment of workers got booted.
NBC Universal was acquired by Comcast in early 2011 and the conglomerate wants to ensure their 51% holding is performing well.
Leno is pulling in $30 million a year and is supported by 150-200 employees who keep him in jokes and guests that resonate well with his aging core audience. His nightly show regularly tops the ratings.
Turns out Jay made some concessions to ensure that the staff purge doesn’t cut any deeper. He has agreed to have his salary reduced to $20 million.
A show spokesman said, “His foremost concern is for the wonderful people who work with him at The Tonight Show. He did what was necessary to ensure their well-being.”
The competition is stiff with Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert all vying for market share in the category.
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