Bing Search

TV News

Jay Leno<BR><A href="/tv/gallery.aspx?gallery=20523" type=Msn.Entertain.Server.WebControls.LinkablePhotoGallery target="" LinkType="Page" GLink="0" Arg="20523">More photos</A>
© NBC/ Jay Leno
Leno to take pay cut as layoffs hit 'The Tonight Show'
Aug. 18, 2012, 12:08 PM EST

By Tim Molloy
TheWrap

NBC's "The Tonight Show" is laying off 20 staffers, and host Jay Leno agreed to a pay cut to save as many jobs as possible, a person familiar with the situation told TheWrap.

NBC declined to give a reason for the layoffs. The late-night institution has slipped in the ratings since the messy exit of Conan O'Brien and Leno's reinstatement as its host in 2010. But it remains the No. 1 show in late night in total viewers and the 25-54 demographic most important to late-night advertisers.

Find: The Conan O'Brien-Jay Leno controversy

The amount of Leno's pay cut was unclear. The host is known for banking his entire "Tonight Show" paycheck and living off his pay from standup gigs and appearances.

More from TheWrap:
Cablevision, Tribune Trade Volleys Over Blackout
CBS Dropping 'Glass House' Suit, Citing Poor Ratings

User Picture
Write a comment...
60Comments
brotherzzzz
Aug 19, 2012 6:44PM
avatar
In response to the article, Leno didn t have to take a pay cut... It sounds like he did the right thing...
Science_1
Aug 19, 2012 9:48PM
avatar
I started out not being a particular fan of Jay Leno; and I was unimpressed when he was chosen to take over for Johny Carson on the Tonight Show. But as time goes by my respect for this man just grows and grows. He is warm, intelligent, personable, genuine, caring, funny  and generous. He impresses the hell out of me now. If only we had more people like him in the world, the world would be a much better place.
Dark Angel (belledujour)
Aug 19, 2012 3:21PM
avatar
Oh please why would Conan be happy because Jay got a pay cut?..Jay can live pay cut or no pay cut,plus no one said he was bitching over it,actually it said he took pay cut to save several jobs so how can that be wrong.He could have said he don't give a damn,,some people just like to be negative or perhaps they are reading the wrong thing.Some one took a pay cut to save some one else job and that is a bad thing?..come on people..Wish my former boss was that considerate instead of mislead me.
Kassiopoeia42
Aug 19, 2012 5:30PM
avatar
Hey NBC here's some advice.  (1) Get rid of the premiere douche-bag,  MATT LAUER!  (2) Try putting some watchable shows on the network. Then you wouldn't have to lay-off the poor working class who don't make $20 million a year. DUH!!!!! 
maboola
Aug 19, 2012 10:18PM
avatar
Leno gets paid big bucks because he has the talent and skill to draw millions of viewers into watching the Tonight Show.  Whether individuals like myself or those  envious of  his success do not care for him is of no matter.  It is the numbers.

I submit it was a good and generous move on his part to cut his income to save jobs for others.  A lot of other celebrities  and common people like myself would not do the same.  I give credit where credit is due.

Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
latest tv news
More TV news
featured video