News Briefs - Dec. 13, 2012

TPMedia News Is Now MHBC Radio and Media News. TPMedia News is now MHBC Radio and Media News. The official announcement came from TotalPopularMusic.com Publisher Mark Harris. "TPMedia News was a name adopted to distinguish our Radio and Media News page from the 'Total Popular Music' branding of our website," says Harris. "For some time we have considered totally separating the two online products to separate entities, and possibly separate dot com domains. Since launching two blogs for content from TotalPopularMusic.com at Google Blogger's Blogspot.com, with separate identities, although cross-promoted, we have moved closer to what may be an ultimate separation of the two online offerings of Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting. The 'Radio and Media News' has been billboarded as from MHBC rather than from TPM. Renaming our news page and product at TotalPopularMusic.com was the next logical step." Harris adds that further announcements may be forthcoming early in 2013.

Todd Schnitt Not Leaving Tampa's WFLA-AM After All. We recently reported that syndicated talker Todd Schnitt said he'd be leaving his home base for his show, WFLA-AM, Tampa. His final day there, he said, would be December 18. Now, it turns out he won't be exiting WFLA-AM after all. Clear Channel has signed a new agreement with Schnitt for his show to continue on the Tampa station where it airs 3-6pm. Schnitt had seemed sure last week he was leaving the station, but emphasized his syndicated show would continue. Now he tells us, "I'm thrilled to announce my new, multiyear deal with Clear Channel Tampa. 970 WFLA has been The Schnitt Show's home for 11 years. I really appreciate the outpouring of support from my loyal listeners." And says Clear Channel Tampa VP of Programming Doug Hamand, "We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Todd Schnitt and The Schnitt Show. He is a staple of the community in Tampa Bay, broadcasting for more than 19 years with 11 of those on WFLA."

'60 Minutes' Joins DC's 'All News 99.1'. CBS Radio's "All News 99.1" WNEW-FM, Washington DC, is adding the audio of the CBS TV news magazine "60 Minutes" to WNEW-FM's Sunday night lineup, airing as a simulcast 7-8pm ET. "60 Minutes" is telecast in the DC market on WUSA-TV. "Each week, CBS News and '60 Minutes' bring to life incredible investigative pieces, interviews, and features that are renowned all across the world," says CBS Radio SVP and Market Manager Steve Swenson. "Many local residents find themselves in a car traveling home on Sunday evenings not able to watch the program on WUSA-9. With this simulcast we can provide listeners with access to their favorite news program." WNEW-FM Program Director Rob Sanchez adds, "60 Minutes correspondents can tell a story like no one else, and we are thrilled to feature this dynamic program on All News, 99.1."

Portland Mall Shootings Claim Former Entercom GSM. Former Entercom Portland General Sales Manager Steve Forsyth, 45, was one of two victims in the shooting at a Portland mall this week. Forsyth spent eight years at the cluster before launching his own marketing firm, Big Feat Marketing. Entercom CEO David Field issued a statement that says, "We are heartbroken. This senseless, tragic murder struck down a truly wonderful human being in the prime of his life. Steve was a highly talented man with a zest for life and a terrific sense of humor. He loved his family dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of those who loved him."

Radio Legend Ray Briem Dies at 82. Conservative talk radio host Ray Briem, a pioneer in the Los Angeles overnight market, has passed away at age 82, his daughter announced. Michael Reagan - Ronald Reagan’s elder son and the former host of a nationally syndicated radio talk show - said, “Before Rush, before Hannity, and certainly before me and other conservatives, there was the voice of Ray Briem.” Briem was on KABC-AM, Los Angeles, from 1967 to 1994 following seven years at KLAC-AM. He was mentored early in his career by conservative talk show host Joe Pyne, and at the time of his retirement commanded 15.7% of local radio listeners. Briem's overnight show aired nationally for several years in the 1980s via the former ABC Talk Radio network.

The Ins and Outs of Radio
Dave Stewart is in at Classic Hits WCBS-FM, New York, for overnights. Stewart previously held a similar shift at crosstown Hot AC WPLJ-FM. He will also to continue to host the syndicated "Retro Stars" show ... Frank Ski and co-host Wanda Smith will exit mornings at Urban "V-103" WVEE-FM, Atlanta, after 14 years with the station for a new position to be announced ... Chris Roth joins Centennial Broadcasting as Director of Programming for their Northern Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia radio stations. Roth will have oversight of Hot AC WINC-FM, Rock "105.5 The Bone" WXBN-FM, Country WZFC-FM and "NewsTalk 1400" WINC-AM ... Morning host Curt St. John exits AC "I-94" WIAL-FM, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.