An observation/commentary

[Jeff]

Katie Couric switches jobs & networks.

I didn't really know who she was, nor did I care and truth be told, I still don't know or care.  However, one thing struck me as intriguing.

She is switching jobs.  The job she is at pays somewhere between $13-15 MILLION dollars per year, and the job she's going to is roughly the same.  I know this isn't that much compared to most entertainers & sports figures.  However, the thing that I can't understand is, what job on Earth is SO SATISFYING that you'd continue to do it year after year after year when you've got more money than you can possibly spend?

If her job is THAT GOOD, and she enjoys it THAT MUCH, she should be dropped to say, $200k per year.  Give that $15M to a guy who can't really stand their job!  You give me $15M/year for my job and I'll work it 1 year and be done.  I sure as hell wouldn't hang around for the benefits package with the 20 year plan.

It's obscene.  The wage of $15M/year cannot be to "retain" her because it's obviously not about money.  So why the ludicrous wage?

[StumpysWife]

I would say Katie Couric sticks around for the same reason Valentino Rossi sticks around.  At this point, it's not about the money.  They are both driven individuals trying to get to the next level of life.  

Her replacement is rumored to negotiating a $40 million contract.  I can only imagine what CBS is paying her to leave NBC.  


Heather

PS - Stumpy used to have a big crush on Katie Couric.  He likes her smile.   :D

[Jeff]

I would say Katie Couric sticks around for the same reason Valentino Rossi sticks around.  At this point, it's not about the money.  They are both driven individuals trying to get to the next level of life.  

Exactly!  So say "Hey Katie, we'd like you to fill this position over here and the wage is $200k.  What do you think?"  

Do you think Rossi would stop racing if they cut his salary down to what the high middle-class wage is?  

He likes her smile.   :D

I like her wallet.

[StumpysWife]

These people have egos (and possibly expenses) that don't work for $200,000 a year anymore either. Bottom line, it's a competition.  CBS can afford it and is in on the game, too.  

[Jeff]

I think it would be far better competition to remove the wage...

Then again, I also believe that in professional sports, only the winning team should get paid...  If that happened, I'd start watching sports.

[spyderchick]

She gets what the market will bear.

And yeah, it's about the money too. If your competition gets 10M, you want 12M, because of course, then you're better, These people live by different standards than normal folk.

I don't need a rare Hermes bag over my should to announce I'm cool. I don't need Manolo Blahniks on my feet to be all hoity toity. These people need the obvious signs of affluence to make their lives complete. It's sad really.

[Super Dave]

I'm not a Today show watcher.  I don't know why, but I like Good Morning America better.  

Regardless, Katie doesn't have any appeal for me at all.  I don't get why you would feel the need to pay her so much.  There are a few broadcasters on local Milwaukee stations that I'd rather have on GMA or Today.  

Good for NBC for letting her go.  

[G-reg]

What about the guy she's replacing from CBS?  It looks like his body died 5 years ago but his brain hasn't caught on yet..  Maybe they get addicted to making the big bucks and can't let go?

[Team-G]

I think it would be far better competition to remove the wage....

It is the competition.  People at that level want to be #1 on the Forbe's Top Ten Earners list.

Remember when Trump declared bankruptcy?  He was allowed over 650,000 per month in living and entertainment expenses; not bad for being "broke".

[Jeff]

There is definitely a double-standard in the length of time they will let a man fill a TV spot over a woman.

They have guys on who have been fossils since I was crawling.  But you'll never see a 500 year old woman on a set.

[StumpysWife]

There is definitely a double-standard in the length of time they will let a man fill a TV spot over a woman.

They have guys on who have been fossils since I was crawling.  But you'll never see a 500 year old woman on a set.

Barbara Walters.  She's at least 610 years old.  

[Old808]

People making that kind of money (who don't own the company) often say it's not about money but the large salary is a measure of respect from the employer.   ;D

If you saw Jay Leno's car & bike collection, you'd understand why he's still working. :)  Not to mention his job looks like a ton of fun.

About the guy Katie is replacing:  he didn't want the job.  He was just filling in after CBS sacked Dan Rather.  He recommended Couric.

Someone mentioned Donald Trump's bankruptcy:  his ego is so big he is still denying having been bankrupt (as of last month on Larry King Live)