In an effort to keep Matt Lauer happy, NBC is reportedly footing the bill for the “Today” host to take a helicopter to and from work so he can spend more time with his family.
In June, Mr. Lauer extended his $20 million salary with NBC News through 2016, following speculation that he would leave the show over the brutal departure of Ann Curry in 2012, the New York Post reported.
As part of the deal, the network reportedly agreed to pay for Mr. Lauer to take a helicopter to work in Manhattan from his home in the Hamptons. Mr. Lauer also has an apartment in Manhattan.
“NBC News chiefs want to do everything to keep Matt happy,” a source told The Post. “They believe ’Today’ has turned a corner and he is the key to its continuing success. They agreed to pay for his helicopter flights to the Hamptons and back, so he can spend more time with his family.”
NBC sources told The Post that Mr. Lauer could be choppering back and forth up to three times a week.
A “Today” rep insisted, “On rare occasions, Matt will fly home, but most of the time you’ll find him stuck in traffic on the Long Island Expressway with everyone else.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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