Van Toffler, the head of MTV Networks Music and Logo Group, announced the news in an internal memo to staffers yesterday.

"News of Norman's move came as a shock inside MTV, where execs typically exit trailing a cloud of rumors predicting their departure," reported the Hollywood Reporter. "As a well-regarded figure at the company, network insiders were betting that it was more likely she found a new opportunity outside the company than was ousted, especially given the fact that the network currently is in good shape.

"Internal speculation seized on the possibility that Norman could be headed to a top post in Discovery Communications' new joint venture with Oprah Winfrey, dubbed OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network," the report further speculated. “As a black woman with cable savvy and a well-stocked Rolodex, she could be considered a natural choice.”