A new season of "Ask the Lawyers" began on Thursday, October 12 with Tom Endres as moderator for shows broadcast on Central Michigan University (CMU) Public Television, WCMU-TV 14 (Mt. Pleasant and Bay City). Endres succeeds Monte L. Higgins, who retired in May of this year after 30 years of moderating the program. The shows, which are aired twice each month for nine months, are carried on six station networks covering central and northern Michigan.

"I'm excited to continue this popular series on CMU Public TV," Endres said. "The number and quality of viewer questions called in during 'Ask the Lawyers' has been outstanding."

Endres joined the staff of CMU Public Broadcasting in 1972. He has held a variety of positions within the organization including creator and moderator of the award?winning television series "Editor's Notepad," now in its 12th season. He served as former guest host for "Ask the Professionals" for many years and has made several guest appearances on Michigan United Conservation Corps' "Michigan Out?of?Doors,""Michigan Magazine" and "The Northern Experience."

He serves as host of the annual local follow?up program "Road to College," a viewer's guide to getting into and paying for college. He also currently serves as director of the Development and DTV (Digital Television) Capital Campaign.

Endres holds degrees in broadcast production and engineering from Milwaukee Area Technical College.

"Ask the Lawyers" programs are aired in several locations throughout the state. The Genesee County program, which airs on ABC 12 (WJRT) in Flint, features a guest attorney answering pre-recorded legal questions asked by the public. Viewers can also tune in to live broadcasts of "Ask the Lawyers" on WNMU-TV 13 in Marquette and WGVU-TV 35/WGVK-TV 52 in Grand Rapids. Check local listings for dates and times. The shows are sponsored by the State Bar of Michigan.