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The Town with Matthew Belloni
The End of the $20M TV Host Era
Oct 2, 2024
Dylan Byers, a Puck journalist specializing in the television industry, dives into the waning era of $20 million TV hosts. He discusses Hoda Kotb's departure from 'The Today Show' and how dwindling viewership is reshaping anchor salaries. Byers emphasizes the challenges anchors face in adapting to the shifting dynamics of news and sports broadcasting, especially with the rise of streaming platforms. The conversation also touches on the resilience of networks like Fox News amidst these changes.
33:25
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Quick takeaways
- High-profile morning TV anchors are facing salary cuts due to declining viewership and economic pressures on traditional networks.
- The shift towards rotating anchors in news programs indicates a move away from celebrity-driven models, emphasizing functional journalism instead.
Deep dives
Shifts in Morning TV Anchor Pay
The podcast discusses the emerging trend of salary cuts among high-profile morning TV anchors as the traditional television model faces economic challenges. For instance, Hoda Kotb's recent departure from the Today Show coincides with an announcement of her pay cut, highlighting the pressing financial realities within networks. With audiences for morning shows declining from an average of five million to about two million, it becomes increasingly difficult for networks to justify the hefty price tags associated with top talents who earn upwards of $20 million annually. This recalibration in pay structures reflects a larger industry shift, where many prominent figures face the prospect of reduced salaries or job losses as viewership dwindles and budgetary constraints tighten.
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