MTV Head of Original Programming Michael Klein Exits After 6 Months
MTV’s head of original programming Michael Klein is exiting the company after six months, TheWrap has learned.
News of the former Conde Nast executive’s exit was announced on Monday in an internal memo from network head Chris McCarthy, which noted that Klein had “signed on to the job under different circumstances.” A replacement is expected to be named as soon as Tuesday.
The executive’s departure comes just a month after MTV President Sean Atkins stepped down after a year on the job and was replaced by McCarthy, who now oversees MTV in addition to VH1 and Logo.
Also Read: Chris McCarthy Replaces Sean Atkins as President of MTV
Klein was appointed by Atkins earlier this year to replace Susanne Daniels, who left the network last July. In the role, he oversaw all of MTV’s original programming, including both scripted and unscripted. He also oversaw development and creative across MTV and its related brands.
Prior to joining MTV, Klein served as executive vice president of Programming and Content Strategy at Conde Nast’s Digital Channels.
His departure is just the latest in a string of executive departures for MTV, which also saw reality head Lauren Dolgen leave the network after 19 years back in June.
Read McCarthy’s memo below:
Hi everyone,
Hope you had a restful Thanksgiving break. I wanted to let you know that Michael Klein has decided to leave the company. We’ve been discussing his role these past few weeks, and it’s clear he signed on to the job under different circumstances to pursue a different strategy. I understand and respect his decision, and the work the Development team has done in the past year. I want to thank Michael for helping me get up to speed, and for his efforts on behalf of MTV.
Many thanks to the Development team for its continued hard work, commitment and creativity in the meantime. We’ll have news to share soon about new leadership for programming and development. I’m confident that together we’ll continue to break new ground, connect with our young audience, and elevate our brand.
For the moment, please join me in thanking Michael and wishing him the best of luck.
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