PBS North Carolina Launches Season Four of ‘State Lines’
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA LAUNCHES SEASON FOUR OF ‘STATE LINES’
In this weekly PBS NC series, legislators, reporters and policy experts
offer thoughtful insights on top political issues.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 1/6/2026 — PBS North Carolina announces the return of its public affairs series State Lines for a fourth season. Filmed at PBS North Carolina’s studios in Research Triangle Park, State Lines presents lively discussions on current legislative issues. Hosted by Kelly McCullen, State Lines airs Friday nights at 8:30 PM on PBS NC. Episodes are also available online as well as on the free PBS app and YouTube.
In the new season, State Lines will continue its focus on pressing issues that impact North Carolinians, including the upcoming primary season and high-profile races in the U.S. Senate and North Carolina’s newly redrawn 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. Other potential topics include the state funding gap for Medicaid and the debate over whether to continue state income tax reductions.
“The State Lines team is proud to produce an engaging show where political discussion is fair and civil,” says Kelly McCullen, host and executive producer of the series. “Our guests sit at one table and hash out key issues, often with people of opposing perspectives. The discussions on State Lines remain professional even during debates of very contentious partisan issues. We’re committed to upholding our network’s mission of offering trusted and balanced information to all North Carolinians.”
In addition to its weekly roundtable discussion show, State Lines presents monthly “deep dive” specials hosted by senior producer David Hurst. Recent topics include recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, criminal justice reform and redrawn voting maps and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s fight for recognition from the federal government.
“Almost two-thirds of State Lines’ guests—legislators, reporters and policy experts—have appeared more than once. They invest their time to appear on our program because they love engaging in political thought with other thinkers,” added McCullen. “State Lines offers them a collegial platform, where disagreement is expected but professionalism and civility are vigorously upheld.”
State Lines is made possible in part by financial support from NC REALTORS®.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-PBS NC-
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