Hoda Kotb’s replacement shouldn’t expect big bucks: Source

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( NewsNation ) — The beloved “Today” show anchor Hoda Kotb is stepping down after 25 years at the Peacock network — tearfully telling viewers : “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new. … I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”

And all over America, Kotb’s wannabes started brushing up on their reels and calling their agents, but a word to the wise: If you make it into the interview, bring a Bible and don’t expect Kotb’s $7 million salary.

Savannah Guthrie ‘runs’ the ‘Today’ show

Insiders told me that employees of the “Today” show are big on in-office Bible study ever since Savannah Guthrie’s book “ Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere ” came out in February.

“Savannah runs that place — she’s the top dog,” an insider told me. “Ever since her book, people have been doing impromptu Bible study at work, trying to impress her. And the younger ‘Today’ show staff are trying to get in her good graces by bringing their Bible to work and whenever she walks by, suddenly talking about the Bible passages and her book.”

A rep for “Today,” Megan Stackhouse, didn’t return emails asking for comment

But also word to the wise: don’t expect a major seven-figure salary for the role.

Don’t expect Hoda Kotb’s alleged $7 million salary

The morning TV industry has taken a hit in the past couple years — and what was once the major income driver for networks is now turning into a loss leader as viewership shrinks and ad dollars dry up.

According to the New York Post , CBS queen Gayle King took a cut from her reported $13 million salary after weeks of hard-knuckle negotiations.

“Gayle cares about people,” a source close to King told The Post. “She’s the kind of person who would take a pay cut in order to save jobs for her show.”

Over at ABC, “Good Morning America” is allegedly sagging under the confines of their anchors’ heavy salaries — Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos are said to make around $20 million each per year.

“That’s going to change,” an ABC insider told me. “Their contracts are up next year and let’s see who stays for less.”

Entertainment correspondent Lara Spencer, who had allegedly been making $3 million a year, is said to have taken a pay cut earlier this year to stay on the show.

CNN looks to slash salaries

But it’s not just morning shows that are in trouble — CNN is apparently looking to slash $50 million from it’s well paid anchors’ salaries.

According to the Wrap : “Top CNN earners include prime-time anchor Anderson Cooper, who makes an estimated $20 million a year; Wolf Blitzer, who earns about $15 million; Jake Tapper, who pulls in more than $8.5 million; and Chris Wallace, who makes about $8 million, two insiders said. Other co-anchors, including John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner, make in the $1 million to $2 million range.”

I’m told Cooper has already negotiated his salary — complete with a $5 million pay cut.

“No one is getting that insane money anymore,” a TV industry source said. “It’s just not justifiable.”

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