Friday, September 06, 2002

Wilmington, NC – WECT-TV6, Wilmington’s NBC affiliate television station, and the UNC Wilmington Center for Marine Science have teamed up to offer 50-second news spots called the Environmental Minute. The first Environmental Minute will premiere Monday, Sept. 9, during the Carolina in the Morning show.

Narrating and hosting the Environmental Minute is 13-year old environmentalist Kaitlin Baden, a 9th grade student at Hoggard High School. Kaitlin, who will be 14 in December, says she is interested in the environment, “Because it’s everyone’s environment and we all need to take care of it.”

Kaitlin has been a counselor with UNCW’s MarineQuest educational program for children for the past five years. Her favorite subjects are science and chorus. Environmental Minute writer is Diane Talley, director of Marine Quest and Center for Marine Science youth programs.

“Everyday, thousands of Coastal Carolina residents enjoy the many outdoor activities, most of which center around the beautiful coastal waters we call home,” said Kaitlin. “But, while we enjoy the pristine beaches and the picturesque waterways, the health of our environment is often overlooked. Each week, the Environmental Minute will explore the environment we live in, how it affects our lives and most importantly, how we can preserve it for future generations.”

Watch Carolina in the Morning every Monday for a 60-second practical guide for living in a coastal environment and protecting the quality of life for present and future generations. The spot will address various environmental topics from sea turtles to storm water run-off and dolphins to dunes.

To kick off the Environmental Minute, Carolina in the Morning anchors Jennifer Abney and Bob Townsend will interview Kaitlin during the 6:30-7 a.m. time slot on Monday, Sept. 9.