A visit by Bill Clinton to the offices of American TV network NBC has caused a flurry of speculation over the possibility of the former US president taking on the role of chat show host. Clinton, who was in town for a Democratic fundraiser, met up with TV executives in Los Angeles on Wednesday. He is apparently not interested in heading up a political show which could lead to a conflict-of-interest situation with his wife Hillary, a US senator. Instead, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times, TV insiders say he dreams of becoming the next Oprah Winfrey.
A spokesperson for Clinton was more restrained, however, saying: “President Clinton did not demand a talk show. He went to listen. The president is gratified by the range of opportunities that have been presented to him.” There is scepticism in some quarters over whether or not the former US leader would actually commit to such a project, but the rumoured financial rewards for his involvement would presumably act as a potent lure. The LA Times quoted a source as saying that Clinton was asking for $50 million a year.
Impressive, but not impossible in a business where top chat show host Oprah Winfrey takes home annually a cool $125 million. But US talk show host Maury Povich threw cold water on the idea of Bill Clinton as chat show anchor. “I think it’s folly," he says. "It’s a bunch of NBC guys who want to tell their friends they sat down with the president.” These days the former leader earns a living on the lucrative lecture circuit and has also signed a book deal, reportedly worth more than $10 million, with publishers Alfred A Knopf.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The former US leader, who currently earns a living on the lucrative lecturing circuit, stopped by NBC offices in LA to discuss what the network might have to offer
