*Insiders claim Hoda Kotb is trying to double her Today show salary.
“Hoda is negotiating a contract extension, and she wants her pay at least doubled,” a source revealed to the National Enquirer, per RadarOnline.
We reported previously that Kotb made history when she took over for former anchor Matt Lauer amid his 2017 sex scandal. But she reportedly bagged around $18 million less yearly than her male predecessor.
Citing NBC sources, Page Six reports that Kotb got a $7 million-a-year deal — the same as co-host Savannah Guthrie. Lauer was making $25 million a year until he was fired for alleged “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.”
One show insider previously said, “Hoda isn’t complaining about the money. She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves. Plus, Matt’s salary reflected the long time he was on the show — 25 years. If things go well, Hoda could ask for more next time if she re-ups her contract. But the figures underline the huge wage disparity at NBC News.”
Per Radar, an insider now claims, Hoda “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.”
One source noted that Kotb wears many hats on the show, and her duties are “increasingly demanding and stressful.”
“Honestly, NBC has Hoda on the cheap,” the source spilled.
“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!”
READ MORE: Hoda Kotb Reportedly Paid $18 Million Less than ‘Today’ Predecessor Matt Lauer
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