Take that, Matt Lauer: Brian Williams speaks out in defense of international travel
Filed under: Celebs & Money
Coping With the Economy
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But after talking to a few people who derive their livelihoods from the travel industry, including Loews Hotels' owner Jonathan Tisch, Williams decided it was more important to spend his money on the road. The world is in a recession, not just America. "Stay on the planes, get out there, spend money, go to a resort, go to a hotel," Williams said. "The busboys depend on it. I get that. And we're gonna do that."
So Williams' big vacation plans are back on. Now the anchor will spread around a little of that reported $10 million he makes each year ("We're overcompensated in my line of work," he acknowledged).
"The world is still big and the airlines are still running," Williams told Hastings. Way to go, Williams. Literally.
Lauer, for his part, may not have the stamina to go abroad soon anyway; he hit a deer on his bike on Saturday and messed up his shoulder. But at least one of NBC's high-profile personalities will be hitting the road in a healthy way.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
3-25-2009 @ 2:08PM
KN said...
10 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR! and he can't afford a vacation?? Common! I like Williams but that just sounds like trying to get attention to me. AND WHAT ABOUT TRAVELING IN THE GOOD OLE USA! instead of out of the country. Give the USA your money!
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3-25-2009 @ 3:13PM
am said...
Spend in the Usa! Most celebrities think the only places to spend their money is overseas. Why? We have starving families, homeless people, hungry waiters and busboys! Every American business is suffering why not support the USA?
3-25-2009 @ 5:39PM
Missteek said...
Can you read? The man didn't say HE couldn't afford a vacation!
3-25-2009 @ 2:23PM
Pamela said...
You have to be crazy to travel outside the USA now....absolutelly crazy. Our government has made all AMERICAN citizens targets for all the idiots in the world. STAY HOME, support travel in America, but you better get your concealed hand gun permit to travel here too.
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3-25-2009 @ 2:28PM
Jason Cochran said...
Pardon me, Pamela, but I think the idea that we're being killed everywhere is absolutely crazy. There's been a rash of fear drummed up among some TV windbags that encourages Americans to be terrified of going abroad by implying we're being attacked. The statistics just don't bear it out. This recession is worldwide and everyone could use some help right now, but traveling domestically is a personal spending choice. It's a valid one, too, but to defend that choice with allegations of violence and baseless nationalism is, well, crazy.
3-26-2009 @ 12:30PM
Roxanna said...
Pamela, I beg your pardon, but if you have ever traveled in Europe you would know that most Europeans disliked the Bush administration, but did not blame Americans for his decisions. In Italy in particular, Americans are welcomed with open arms. I have nothing against traveling in the US, but let's not make incorrect blanket statements about overseas travel!
3-28-2009 @ 9:00PM
Jane said...
This past summer we spent two weeks in Europe visiting Italy, Greece, Croatia & Malta. We went with extended family so there were quite a few us. We, none of us, ever met up with any anti-American behavior. In fact, people are people no matter where you are. There has been a lot of fear-mongering by the current group in Washington, telling us we are not liked around the world. Garbage. If you have the opportunity to go out of the country, do it. We the people are this country's best ambassadors.
3-25-2009 @ 2:29PM
Linda said...
Finally, a newscaster who acknowledges they are overcompensated! I've been thinking about that very fact: while the journalists are reporting over and over again how bad the recession is, not only are they being paid well, but also are ensuring job security.
Brian Williams, is my favorite nightly anchor, and I think where he and his family vacation is not for the American public to decide.
And yes, Brian, tip those "bussers"; they are not just boys any more, young women, like my daughter, are bussing tables and look for tips for college!
Thank you and stay connected to the America!
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3-25-2009 @ 3:35PM
Karen said...
When Brian Williams was working at Perkins Pancake House in Middletown, New Jersey he was a busboy and I can see where he thinks 10 million dollars is a lot for what he does. I dont make 10 million dollars a year but if I did I can certainly afford to go on vacation. He is a good guy, he came from humble beginnings so hopefully he appreciates the money that he is getting.
3-25-2009 @ 3:49PM
Phyllis said...
Hi Linda: I just sent an email to Chuck, congratulating him on his wonderful 35 years, also telling him that he and I have lasted longer than my marriage. He, Brokaw and Williams are class acts of NBC. Regards
3-25-2009 @ 4:21PM
UncleD said...
If you want to talk over-compensated, consider this: there are over 100 baseball players that are paid over 8 million dollars a year...the top 20 are paid over 14 million a year (the top 3 being New Yor Yankees each having annual salaries of over 21 million dollars). And, contract wise, the top 10 player contracts
(with 6 to 10 year contracts) total 1 billion 660 million dollars. And get this..4 of those top ten contracts are New York Yankees with a total of just over 800 million. That is just baseball. When you throw football, basketball, and hockey into the mix...best word is "astronomical".
3-25-2009 @ 2:32PM
bob40wil said...
Maybe the average person should be asked about travel, millionairs aren't average by any means. I drve atruck all over this country for thirty years and it's a great place, there is just to much here to see and people in the travel business that need our money then going over seas and spending.
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3-25-2009 @ 2:31PM
pete said...
all bs
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3-25-2009 @ 2:32PM
sylvia said...
There are plenty of great vacation places in the USA.If we don't spend our money at the places in the USA,then more are going to close. When a place closes that means the people who work there don't have the mopney to spend where you work and so your place of business may be next on the list to close. Then there is a domino effect.
Stay home and support your own country. Those travel businesses can set you up in the USA it doesn;t have to be over seas!
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3-25-2009 @ 2:51PM
Katy said...
who cares?
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3-25-2009 @ 2:43PM
Nick said...
Laurer shouldn't be riding a bike..........or going around the world. He doesn't like football, baseball, basketball or NASCAR.
He's better off planning weddings or going to a fashion show.
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3-25-2009 @ 2:42PM
Jim Sweeney said...
Recession era International Travel is the BEST time to travel overseas-you'll get very good deals without the crowds,even in the normally heavily travelled peak Spring/Summer season.
Those narrow streets and passageways are passable with thinner crowds-and fewer "ugly Americans' annoying the locals-especially in France.
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3-25-2009 @ 2:43PM
Blue Kentucky Girl said...
Poor old Brian. I'll bet if women were asked if they would rather go to Paris with him or the nearest motel with Matt Lauer, it would not even be a contest. "Spread the wealth around?"
What a hoot!
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3-25-2009 @ 3:21PM
John said...
OK is the glass half empty here or half full? Lets open a "Travel Club" For people that want to be "Offed" You know, meet their maker. For $10,000 we will send them some place really ( bad but first class). Any investors out there?
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3-25-2009 @ 2:47PM
Nick said...
Pay me $10 million, then ask me if I would rather go to Paris, France or Georgetown, Colorado?
I'll take the US any old day.
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