Michael Klein Out As MTV Head Of Original Programming After Six Months

Michael Klein

After six months on the job, MICHAEL KLEIN is leaving as MTV's original head of programming, according to VARIETY. KLEIN's exit comes on the heels of the departure of MTV President SEAN ATKINS, who was replaced last month by VH1 and LOGO head CHRIS McCARTHY.

KLEIN was one of ATKINS' first hires last MARCH, but did not start until MAY, when he came over from CONDE NAST, where he served as EVP/Programming and Content Strategy for its digital channels. His credits included ID's "Vanity Fair Confidential," TRAVEL CHANNEL's "ANTHONY BOURDAIN: No Reservations" and "Man v. Food;" as well as TLC's "What Not to Wear" and "MIAMI Ink."

Since McCARTHY arrived, he has been cutting unscripted programming like "Down To Earth," "Prison High," "Acting Out," "Almost Impossible Game Show," "Air Sex" and "Stupid Man, Smart Phone."

McCARTHY's internal memo to staff announced KLEIN's departure. "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. 

"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."

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