Brian Graden, president of entertainment of MTV Networks’ Music and Logo group, is leaving as part of a broader reorganization at the cable outfit, The Post has learned.
Multiple sources inside or close to MTV said Graden has been talking for at least six months with MTV Networks CEO Judy McGrath and President Van Toffler about stepping down at the end of his contract.
Sources said the reorganization, which is limited to the Music and Logo group, could come as soon as next week, with other presidents, executive vice presidents and senior vice presidents expected to depart along with Graden. The Music and Logo group includes MTV, VH1 and gay-themed channel Logo.
One source close to the company described the reorganization as “another round of sacred-cow cuts.”
The cuts come as sources said the brass at parent Viacom have felt MTV has become stagnant and was looking to shake things up for a few months.
“They are continually embarrassed by what is happening to MTV’s ratings and revenue,” said a second source close to MTV.
A third source who develops shows for MTV said that morale at the network is at an all-time low.
Representatives for MTV did not return a call.
An 11-year veteran of Viacom, Graden is credited — or blamed — for moving MTV away from pure music and into reality programming. Included among the shows he’s developed are “South Park” and “The Osbournes.”
Sources said MTV is not likely to replace Graden, as his role was unique within the company.
For instance, Doug Herzog serves as president of MTV’s Entertainment Group, with the heads of Comedy Central and Spike reporting directly to him.
Graden, by contrast, serves as a conduit between the programming heads of his networks and Toffler.
What’s more, Graden is said to be among the highest-paid at the company with annual total compensation estimated at around $7 million per year, sources said.
Given Graden’s stature, some sources inside MTV Networks were surprised to learn that he is leaving. He’s widely considered one of the most powerful and astute corporate political players at Viacom.
Graden also has a reputation as a controlling exec who’s sparred with others within the company. For example, a source with knowledge of the situation said Graden tussled with Toffler about the terms and timing of his departure.
Rumors have swirled for months that it wouldn’t be Graden who was leaving the network, but rather MTV’s head of programming, Tony DiSanto. But sources said DiSanto quietly signed a new contract to become president of programming at MTV — essentially the same title as Graden’s — at the end of last year.
Described as a skilled writer and “fabulous piano player,” Graden has been working on writing a Broadway musical and novel.
Sources said he is leaving MTV in part to pursue more creative endeavors. As with Michael Hirschorn when he left VH1, sources said there’s a possibility Graden could get a production deal as part of his departure.