(Oklahoma City – April 17, 2009) Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m., Oklahomans can expect an insightful look into the legal system when the annual award-winning Ask A Lawyer call-in show airs. This is the 32nd year OETA and the Oklahoma Bar Association have co-produced the show, designed to share information about legal issues in easy-to-understand language.      

The show will feature segments on consumer law and equal rights in the workplace. Topics may include scams that rip off consumers, credit card fraud, car fraud, predatory lending, ponzi schemes, workers’ rights and discrimination issues on the basis of race, gender and age.

With the nation’s economy woes on the minds of many, consumers need to be more mindful than ever about who they trust with their money. But sometimes, even the most prudent of us can be exploited. Viewers will meet Roy Sheppard, a hard-working family man from Coweta who fell victim to predatory lending. Roy’s story is representative of thousands of families across the nation dealing with the foreclosure crisis. The panel of consumer law experts will address this issue along with other consumer topics.

While the United States is often called the land of the free, the rights and freedoms we enjoy haven’t always been available to all citizens. Oklahoma’s own Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher helped open the doors for African-Americans and other minority groups to equal educational opportunities. Viewers will get a glimpse of Ms. Fisher’s struggle to be admitted to the OU law school and how her journey led us to where we are today along with what issues we still face.

During the program, viewers can call in for free legal advice, a community service Oklahoma lawyers are providing in conjunction with the national celebration of Law Day. Viewers statewide will be able to reach an attorney, including Spanish-speaking attorneys, by calling (800) 456-8525 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on April 30. Viewers who prefer to speak to an attorney practicing in their town or county will be able to see and call local numbers during the broadcast.

OETA-The Oklahoma Network consistently engages Oklahomans across the state with educational and public television programming, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. Explore www.oeta.tv for more information about local productions, digital television, community resources and show schedules.