Career overview and 2017 departure
Matt Lauer is a former American television journalist best known for his role as a co-anchor on NBC’s Today show from 1997 through November 2017. His departure in 2017 followed allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior reported by multiple women, which led to his termination by NBC News. This profile explains his background, tenure at NBC, the circumstances around his exit, and separates verified facts from allegations and unconfirmed claims.
Professional background and early career
Before joining NBC, Lauer built experience in local television news across several markets. He worked for stations in Ohio and New York, including WDTN in Dayton and later WNYW in New York as a reporter and anchor. These roles helped establish his on-camera presence and prepared him for national news opportunities.
Key roles before Today
- Reporter and anchor, WDTN (Dayton, OH)
- Reporter and anchor, WNYW (New York, NY)
- CBS News correspondent and substitute anchor (early 1990s)
Tenure at NBC News and Today show
Lauer joined NBC News in 1994 as a political correspondent and was named co-anchor of Today in 1997. Over two decades, the Today show under Lauer covered major national and international events, and he conducted high-profile interviews with newsmakers across politics, entertainment, and culture.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Co-anchor, NBC Today show | Network announcement, internal bios |
| Start date as co-anchor | September 1997 | NBC press materials |
| Departure date | November 29, 2017 | NBC News statement |
| Tenure length | Approximately 20 years | Public employment records |
| Notable coverage | Presidential campaigns, major interviews | NBC program archives |
2017 allegations and termination
In November 2017, multiple women made public allegations that Lauer had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during encounters related to work travel and events. NBC News conducted an internal review, concluded the allegations were credible, and terminated his employment. The network acknowledged failing to fully act on earlier concerns in some instances.
Timeline of key events in 2017
- November 2017: First widely reported allegations surfaced regarding behavior on trips and at NBC events.
- November 2017: NBC News launched an investigation and placed Lauer on leave.
- November 29, 2017: NBC News announced Lauer’s termination and issued a public apology for not addressing earlier concerns more thoroughly.
Verified facts and common clarifications
It is verified that Lauer was a long-serving co-anchor of Today who was terminated by NBC News in November 2017 following credible allegations of misconduct. It is also documented that he had no regular on-air role after being placed on leave and that no criminal charges were filed against him by U.S. prosecutors as part of publicly available records. Unverified claims about specific incidents beyond the allegations that led to his departure are not addressed here.
Post-departure status and public presence
Since his termination, Lauer has not returned to on-air work or public life. He has not spoken publicly about his career or the allegations in accessible, reliable forums. There have been no rehiring or return offers by NBC, and he has not pursued roles in journalism or other industries that are documented in credible public records.
Net worth and financial overview
During his time at NBC, Lauer was one of the highest-paid news anchors in the industry. Public estimates of his cumulative earnings over his NBC tenure fall in the range of tens of millions of dollars. However, precise current net worth figures are not publicly confirmed, and available estimates vary by source. His departure in 2017 affected ongoing earning potential from NBC and related roles.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported peak annual earnings at NBC | Approximately $25 million | Industry trade reports and public filings around 2016–2017 |
| Estimated total NBC earnings (1997–2017) | Roughly mid-three- to low-four-digit millions | Back-of-envelope calculations based on reported salary ranges over two decades |
| Documented net worth | Not publicly verified; estimates vary widely | No reliable, recent public disclosures; treated as uncertain |
Comparison with other Today co-anchors
Lauer’s tenure and exit differ from several of his colleagues on Today. While he departed under termination related to misconduct allegations, others have left for new opportunities or retirement without controversy. The table below highlights notable distinctions in roles, tenures, and departure circumstances.
| Name | Role at Today | Tenure | Departure context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Lauer | Co-anchor | 1997–2017 | Terminated after misconduct allegations |
| Ann Curry | Co-anchor | 1997–2011 | Left after role shift and internal changes |
| Savannah Guthrie | Co-anchor | 2012–present | Continues in role |
| Hoda Kotb | Co-anchor | 2018–present (lead anchor periods) | Continues in role |
Key takeaways and status clarification
- Matt Lauer was a long-time co-anchor of NBC’s Today show from 1997 until November 2017.
- His employment ended following credible allegations of inappropriate behavior, leading to termination by NBC News.
- No criminal charges have been filed against him that resulted in public convictions; allegations remain at the center of his public record.
- He has not returned to on-air journalism or public life since his departure.
- Exact current net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates of past earnings are documented, but current financial status is uncertain.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was Matt Lauer let go from Today in 2017?
Lauer was terminated after NBC News concluded, following an internal investigation, that allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior were credible. The network stated it failed to address earlier concerns adequately at the time.
Has Matt Lauer returned to television or news work since 2017?
No. There are no verified reports or official announcements of Lauer returning to on-air work or any other professional role in journalism or related fields.
What is Matt Lauer’s net worth as of the latest available information?
There is no publicly verified, current net worth figure. During his peak years at NBC, industry sources estimated his annual earnings around $25 million, and cumulative earnings over two decades may reach into the millions, but precise current numbers are not available.