Hoda Kotb is demanding massive increase in salary, claims she saved 'Today' from Matt Lauer scandal

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: 'Today' host Hoda Kotb is one of the most beloved news anchors in the country and as such, her net worth is among the highest. Hoda, 59, is allegedly requesting that the show reach deeper into their wallets and give her a raise.

In an explosive revelation, Hoda argues that she prevented the NBC morning program from collapsing following the notorious former host Matt Lauer's 2017 sex scandal, which is why she deserves a raise.

An insider revealed to the National Enquirer that "Hoda is negotiating a contract extension, and she wants her pay at least doubled," per Radar Online.

Hoda was announced as the next co-host of NBC's popular morning show 'Today' following Matt Lauer's dismissal due to sexual misconduct accusations in 2018. She joined Savannah Guthrie, who has co-hosted the show's 10 am hour since 2008.

CNN earlier claimed that before Lauer's dramatic exit due to accusations of sexual misconduct, the show was referred to as a "profit machine" for the network.

However, ratings appeared to have increased following the scandal—possibly as a result of Guthrie and Hoda's presentation of the news on the day that Lauer's firing came to light, as per the Independent.

Hoda Kotb allegedly wants to make up for lost time and income

The NBC anchor currently makes $8 million a year, but sources claim that former anchor Matt Lauer made a staggering $25 million a year before he was fired—and Hoda's earnings are quite little in comparison.

Even though in most cases getting paid twice as much would be a significant increase, Hoda is rumored to have excellent reason to seek more.

The beloved daytime star has readily acknowledged that in her early days with the Peacock network, her compensation was so low that she struggled to pay her bills.

According to sources, Hoda wishes to make up for missed earnings and time.

The source now claimed, "She feels she can strike a blow for not only her own pocketbook, but for women everywhere who are paid peanuts compared to their male colleagues for doing the same job."

Given that Hoda hosts Today's first two hours and then co-hosts the fourth with Jenna Bush Hager, another mole observed that Hoda's responsibilities are "increasingly demanding and stressful."

The source remarked, "It's like she should get two paychecks for doing that. Honestly, NBC has Hoda on the cheap."

They also added, "The network is scared of losing her, so as much as they want to play hardball, Hoda should be able to get at least close to what she wants, which is a deal in the $20 million-a-year range!"

Hoda Kotb earlier revealed NBC's salary was too low to pay her bills

Hoda Kotb earlier revealed that she was unable to cover her expenses while working as a Dateline correspondent because she was paid far less than her male coworkers.

The 'Today' host revealed that she was the "lowest paid" employee during her time at the weekly news program, and she declared that she would be "killing herself" to work for a "fraction" of what her male co-stars from her early days on screen were paid.

She praised 'Wheel of Fortune' host Vanna for renegotiating a two-year deal after her contract with ABC management reached a "stubborn" impasse, saying that asking for a raise is "one of the hardest things for women to do," per Daily Mail.

Hoda said at the time, "I went for many, many, many years, making in local news and whatnot, a fraction of what my male co-anchors were making for sure."

Hoda Kotb's demand far less than NBC host Rachel Maddow

Even with her demand doubled, Hoda's pay would still be far less than that of NBC prime time star Rachel Maddow, who revised her contract with the network for an astounding $30 million.

After the Daily Beast initially revealed that the venerable liberal TV anchor was considering leaving the nightly program that she has hosted for 13 years to launch her own business, the host eventually chose to sign a new contract with MSNBC.

According to sources, Maddow, the highest-rated personality on MSNBC, receives an astounding $30 million per year as part of that agreement, which would keep her with the firm until the 2024 election.

Critics praised Maddow for being able to increase her rate without increasing her burden. Maddow reduced her nightly airtime to a single weekly show, even though her pay increased.

With her new contract, the TV personality has many more options to work with NBCUniversal's news and entertainment units to create her multi-media initiatives, such as documentaries and podcasts.