Tamron Hall, the distinguished journalist and talk show presenter, has reflected on her departure from NBC in 2017, a decision that came despite being offered an impressive $2 million contract to remain with the network. In a candid discussion with Scott Evans during a live episode of his “House Guest” series, Hall shared the pivotal moment that led to her choice to leave.
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The controversy surrounding her exit stemmed from Hall being replaced on the “Today” show by Megyn Kelly. As she recounted, she received the life-altering news from her agent via text just before she was slated to appear on MSNBC Live. “A text message came from my then-agent and he said, ‘They’re making a big change. You’re no longer in. Here’s what they’re offering,’ ” Hall explained, highlighting the gravity of the situation as she prepared for her live segment. The message conveyed not only her removal from the programme but also the substantial offer to encourage her to stay.
In that moment of uncertainty, Hall felt overwhelmed as memories of her career flickered before her eyes. “I sat in a chair and I go, I’m almost, like, blacking out because your whole life is flashing before you,” she admitted. The first person she reached out to was her mother, texting her the news that “it’s done.” Ultimately, Hall opted to decline the lucrative offer, stating simply, “I’ll pass.”
When Evans expressed astonishment at her decision to turn down such a significant sum of money, Hall explained her reasoning. “All money’s not good money. It’s not,” she asserted, emphasizing that her choices were guided by a deeper sense of purpose. Hall revealed the empowering message from her mother, who expressed pride in her decision, noting the historical challenges faced by Black women in journalism. Hall conveyed her concern that if she accepted defeat, it might discourage other young Black women from pursuing their ambitions in the field.
At the time of her exit, Hall had been an integral part of NBC’s morning lineup, and her replacement by Kelly sparked considerable backlash. Following her departure, a joint statement from Hall and NBC indicated a mutual disappointment, but she expressed optimism for her future. A source within the network indicated that Hall was informed months in advance that a long-term commitment to her in the 9 a.m. slot could not be guaranteed, though a substantial financial incentive had been presented to retain her.
The decision to replace Hall with Kelly drew criticism from the National Association of Black Journalists, which accused NBC of “whitewashing” its programming choices. The organisation expressed dismay at the decision to drop Hall and fellow anchor Al Roker in favour of Kelly. A spokesperson for NBC defended the network’s history of promoting diversity, stating, “NBC News has a long and proven history as an industry leader in newsroom diversity,” and they later agreed to discussions with NABJ representatives regarding their concerns.
Kelly’s time at NBC was short-lived; she faced significant backlash following her comments about blackface during a segment of “Megyn Kelly Today,” which ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the show. In a public apology, she acknowledged her error in judgment and publicly stated, “I am wrong and I am sorry.”
Following her departure from NBC, Hall launched “The Tamron Hall Show” in 2019, a move that has proven successful. The programme has recently been renewed for an eighth season, reflecting Hall’s enduring presence and influence in the media landscape.
Tamron Hall’s decision to leave NBC has since been recognized not only as a personal triumph but also as a significant moment of representation and empowerment for Black women in journalism. Her impactful journey underscores the importance of making choices that align with one’s values and the potential to inspire future generations in the media industry.