Nationwide — Tv host and journalist Tamron Corridor turned down a $2 million NBC contract after studying she can be faraway from her roles on the community. She stated the choice got here all the way down to precept, equity, and the way she wished to be represented within the trade.
Corridor recalled that in 2017, whereas working throughout Dateline and MSNBC Reside, she obtained a textual content from her then-agent. The message stated NBC was making main modifications, she was not a part of them, and outlined what the community was providing to maintain her, together with a reported $2 million annual deal.
“A textual content message got here from my then-agent, and he stated, ‘They’re making an enormous change. You’re not in. Right here’s what they’re providing,’” Corridor recalled, based on Folks. “And he proceeded to bullet level in a textual content all this stuff that they had been providing to maintain me.”
The timing hit onerous. Corridor stated she received the information simply earlier than occurring air for an 11 p.m. MSNBC broadcast, leaving her overwhelmed as she tried to course of every little thing whereas nonetheless at work.
She stated she instantly texted her mom after studying the message, feeling like her profession route had modified immediately whereas she sat within the studio.
When requested why she refused the supply, Corridor stated she advised her agent she would go. She later defined, “All cash’s not good cash. It’s not,” and stated her resolution went past monetary phrases and mirrored her values.
Her mom, Mary Newton, inspired her throughout that second and reminded her of the significance of standing agency. Corridor additionally stated she thought-about youthful Black girls in journalism and the way her response may form what they believed was doable for them within the area.
Corridor was later faraway from Right now when Megyn Kelly took over the 9 a.m. slot. NBC launched a joint assertion wishing her properly, whereas studies stated she had been provided hundreds of thousands to remain however declined.
The choice sparked debate within the media trade. The Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists criticized NBC’s modifications and raised considerations about variety, whereas the community defended its newsroom file and later met with NABJ representatives.
After leaving NBC, Corridor launched The Tamron Corridor Present in 2019. The present went on to earn a number of renewals and established her continued presence in daytime tv.
