In what would be the biggest deal for a woman in news broadcasting history, the anchor of NBC’s breakfast show Today, Kate Couric, is reportedly negotiating a £10 million-a-year contract with the network. The reported seven-year offer would put her £3 million ahead of both veteran newsman Dan Rather at CBS and ABC’s celebrity interviewer and chat show host Barbara Walters.
The network’s “sweetheart” – she gained the nickname because of her friendly, approachable style and perky demeanour – Katie has led the Today show to trounce competition in the ratings. NBC can afford to make her such a lucrative offer because the programme is bringing in an impressive £200 million-plus annually.
According to one insider, the network is scrambling to sign Katie to a long-term deal, concerned that the hugely popular anchor will be “snapped up” by a rival network. “The bidding is rewriting the history books,” says the source.
It has also been reported that NBC has offered to set up a production house for Katie at the network as part of the contract, and hopes to have a deal sealed with the morning TV favourite by the Today show's 50th anniversary on January 14.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
