Business

GRADEN’S OUT AT MTV

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 could come as soon as the end of this month.

An 11-year veteran of Viacom, Graden is credited — or blamed — for moving MTV away from pure music toward reality programming. Among the shows he’s developed are “South Park” and “The Osbournes.”

Sources said MTV is not likely to replace him, as Graden role was unique within the company. For instance, Doug Herzog serves as president of the entertainment group, with the programming heads for the individual networks like Comedy Central and Spike reporting to him.

What’s more, Graden is said to be among the highest paid executives at the company with annual total compensation at an estimated $7 million per year, sources said.