January 3, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"THE MECKLENBURGERS" BEGINS NEW SEASON OF LEARNING ABOUT MECKLENBURG COUNTY GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Charlotte, NC – "The Mecklenburgers" are back for a new season of adventures in County government beginning January 7. The Mecklenburgers will air Sundays at 6 p.m. on WAXN-TV, Action 64 (Time-Warner cable channel 10).

The January 7 season premiere is called "New Digs" and features the cast's move to a new TV station in search of new sponsors and more viewers. Other program topics include recycling and yard waste, public golf courses, Medic, mosquitoes and public health, historical landmarks and more.

The Mecklenburgers is a 30-minute "infotainment" show designed to educate viewers about government. The program follows a fictitious family (The Mecklenburgers) and a television production crew as they struggle to produce a new show each week that focuses on a select County government service or program.

The show features an ensemble cast including two of the region’s most well-known personalities – former WSOC-TV news anchor Suzanne Stevens as Jennifer (Trish Mecklenburger) and WRFX radio commentator/curmudgeon-at-large, Robert D. Raiford as crusty station owner, Brady Lewis.

The Mecklenburgers is a production of Mecklenburg County government. The program has been honored with seven Telly Awards, including three for the 2005 holiday episode. The Mecklenburgers has also been recognized by the National Association of Counties (Best in Class for Public Education).

For more information or to watch select episodes online, visit the show’s Web site at www.themecklenburgers.com.