Mika Brzezinski Nearly Quit ‘Morning Joe’ Over Pay Disparity with Joe Scarborough

Mika Brzezinski faced a staggering pay gap compared to her co-host Joe Scarborough on the popular morning show “Morning Joe.” In a candid revelation, she admitted that she nearly left the program due to this glaring disparity. Mika, a prominent figure in morning television today, shared her story in her 2011 book “Knowing Your Value.” Struggling through nearly two decades in the television news industry, she found herself increasingly disheartened by her salary situation.

In her book, Mika reflected on her tough choice: “It was a painful decision. I was demoralized—not because I disliked my job, but because my value wasn’t recognized.” She described how, despite her dedication and long hours, she still earned significantly less than her male peers. At one point, Mika revealed that Joe was making an astonishing 14 times her salary.

This conversation took place in 2008, just a year after they began co-hosting “Morning Joe.” Mika mentioned that she would sit with a group of male colleagues during their daily meetings, all of whom earned considerably more than her. When she expressed her frustration at the disparity to Joe, he encouraged her to act—urging her to push for a salary increase rather than resigning.

Mika credited Joe for advocating on her behalf, acknowledging that he recognized her worth even when the network failed to do so. She eventually negotiated a better salary with her boss, Phil Griffin, and opted to remain on the show, where she continues to thrive professionally. Their personal relationship deepened over time, culminating in their marriage in 2018.

Joe also recounted the situation in a 2011 interview, noting that their salary disparity had become untenable. Recognizing that something had to change, he took it upon himself to address the issue, despite the network’s initial indifference to their contract terms.

Mika’s journey of self-advocacy not only transformed her salary but also inspired her to establish the “Know Your Value” movement, empowering women to recognize and assert their worth in the workplace. “Women today lead, earn, and spend money. We have the wisdom and experience that makes us invaluable,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing value at every stage of life.

Mika Brzezinski’s story continues to resonate as she champions change for women in the workforce, proving that understanding one’s worth is crucial for success.