Matt Lauer is not going anywhere, despite all the recent drama behind the scenes at NBC’s Today Show. The longtime lead anchor has signed another contract extension with the network.
Lauer’s deal was officially announced by NBC on Thursday and is said to be for multiple years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it has been estimated that Lauer is paid between $20 million and $25 million a year.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with Matt’s decision,” NBC News president Deborah Turness said in a statement to The New York Times. “As I’ve said many times before, he’s the best in the business, and there is nobody I would rather have in the Today anchor chair than Matt.”
Lauer said that he considers this job the “best” in broadcasting, adding, “I love people I work with every day and I have such respect and gratitude for the people I work for. I couldn’t be happier to be staying.”
Today is no longer the top morning show in the country, losing that title to ABC News’ Good Morning America in April 2012. In addition, Lauer faced harsh criticism from the media over ann curry’s departure from the Today anchor table. Curry remains at NBC News, but rarely appears on Today.
Lauer has been with Today since 1997 and last signed a contract extension in April 2012. Back in November, he had a prostate exam on live TV and earlier this year, he filmed a Sharknado 2 cameo in the studio.
The Times did report that NBC said the new deal covers more than two years at the show.
image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com