Hoda Kotb exits Today Show after NBC proposes $20m pay cut

Hoda Kotb, a prominent broadcast journalist, announced her departure from NBC's Today show after 26 years, coinciding with her recent 60th birthday. Her decision was influenced by NBC's request for a pay cut from her reported salary of over $20 million, as the network deemed such high salaries unsustainable amid declining ratings for morning news shows. Kotb expressed a desire to spend more time with her young daughters, emphasizing the importance of family time as a motivating factor in her choice. She will continue to co-host the show alongside Savannah Guthrie until January 1, 2025, marking a significant transition in her career. Kotb's journey with NBC began in 1998, and she became a beloved figure on the Today show, especially after stepping in as a co-anchor following the firing of Matt Lauer in 2017. Her departure has been met with support from colleagues, including Guthrie, who praised her courage to leave a comfortable position for new opportunities.