NBC's "The Tonight Show" is laying off 20 staffers, and host Jay Leno agreed to a paycut to save as many jobs as possible, a person familiar with the situation told TheWrap.
NBC declined to provide a reason for the layoffs. The late-night institution has slipped in the ratings since the messy exit of Conan O'Brien and Jay 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.
The amount of Leno's paycut was unclear. The host is known for banking his entire "Tonight Show" paycheck and living off his pay from standup gigs and appearances.