Monsignor out as g.m. at KMBH in Harlingen, Texas

Monsignor Pedro Briseño, the controversial g.m. of dual licensee KMBH in Harlingen, Texas, (Current, March 16, 2009 and May 1, 2008) has been reassigned to full-time parish work, local TV station KGBT is reporting. The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville owns the station. Bishop Daniel Flores, recently installed in the diocese, told the station's staff this morning, saying regional growth of the Catholic Church requires more clergy in churches. Former KMBH Chief Engineer John Ross will be interim g.m. while the board searches for a replacement. KMBH's ongoing problems — ousted board members, a pledge drive with six callers — prompted a push by a local group to establish another radio station. Complaints that it was not meeting requirements for federal funding resulted in a CPB audit of grants in fiscal 2007 and '08, as Current reported in October..

It's opening day for new WNET studio at Lincoln Center

WNET/Thirteen's new studio at Lincoln Center opens today, reports the New York Times. The glass-front facility on the corner of West 66th and Broadway in Manhattan "is truly a metaphor for what we want to be in New York,” President Neal Shapiro told the paper. “We want to be transparent about the things we do and we want to be facing out to the public. Here we are in the center of arts and culture.” The space was originally envisioned as retail, so many changes were made: Designers outfitted the stairs with cushions and outlets so producers can work on the steps. Thirteen offers artist renderings here.