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In a surprising turn of events, long-time co-anchor Hoda Kotb announced her departure from NBC's Today show after six years of hosting the main 7-9 a.m. segment. Her exit is seen as a marker of the dwindling era of high-salaried morning TV anchors.

While Hoda Kotb, who signed a $7 million-a-year deal in 2018, cited family obligations and a desire to spend more time with her young children as reasons for her departure, industry insiders suggest financial factors may be also at play. Kotb's departure underscores a broader shift within the television industry where networks are increasingly focused on budget cuts. A news executive inside 30 Rock predicted that the upcoming year could bring dramatic changes, signaling an end to the era of high salaries for morning anchors.

Savannah Guthrie, Kotb's co-anchor, reportedly earns significantly more than $8 million a year. Reports indicate that NBC's decision to permit Kotb's exit reflects its current prioritization of financial prudence over retaining big-name talents. This trend follows a previous willingness by NBC to invest heavily, highlighted by the $30 million deal extended to Rachel Maddow for a reduced work schedule.

ABC's Good Morning America may be similarly impacted. Presenters at the show, including George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and Michael Strahan, command multimillion-dollar paychecks. Stephanopoulos secured a $15 million contract in 2019 and received a significant raise in 2021. Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan boast substantial salaries, reported at $18 million and $20 million respectively, but ABC's owner Disney is under financial pressure, recently laying off 300 people and instituting a $19 million budget cut in Good Morning America.

Despite Kotb's genuine reasoning related to her family commitments, it appears financial realities also played a significant role. When analyzing the current economic climate, the profitability of shows like Today has been dwindling. In 2016, Today generated over $500 million in revenue, a figure that decreased to just under $300 million by 2021, reflecting the strained advertising market.

As NBC organizes the future lineup for Today, the search for Kotb's replacement is ongoing. This period of change is seen as a moment for networks to consider transitioning from older, well-compensated stars to newer, more cost-effective talent. The move aligns with the industry's broader trend of cost-cutting amid challenging financial times in media.

In essence, Kotb's departure is both a personal and practical decision, mirroring the tough economic realities facing morning television. It signals the possibility of an evolving landscape where the next generation of anchors may lack the high salaries and star power of their predecessors.