On the way out …
Will there be a mass exodus from the NBC’s Today Show in the next 18 months? It was widely reported yesterday that Meredith Vieira will depart her morning co-hosting post in September. Word today is that Matt Lauer will call it quits in 2012, when his contract expires.
Lauer, who began his co-anchor duties in 1997, is buttoned down until December 2012 and reportedly earns $17 million a year, while Vieira pulls in $11 million. According to TMZ, Matt is attempting to negotiate a $25 million contract for 2013.
The Today Show has remained #1 in the ratings among the morning talk shows for 15 years. NBC had this to say on the subject: “There seems to be an awful lot of speculation around news anchors these days, and it’s not our practice to comment on any of it.”
Two other major networks are reportedly working on exit strategies for Katie Couric–from her post at the CBS Evening News, and Glenn Beck from Fox News.
Check out the video report below:
Photos: NBC