[ No headline ]

WEDNESDAY

Medicare: How Will It Survive? (CNBC, 8-9 p.m. EDT): U.S. News & World Report presents a debate with key legislators on how to save the Medicare trust fund - which serves 37 million elderly - from bankruptcy. Representing the Republicans are Rep. Nancy Johnson of Connecticut, an author of the GOP Medicare plan; Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire; and Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee. On the Democrats' panel are House minority leader Richard Gephardt, Sen. John Rockefeller of West Virginia, and Rep. Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut. U.S. News & World Report senior writer Steven Roberts will moderate the debate.

THURSDAY

Living Single (FOX, 8-8:30 p.m.): Actress and singer Eartha Kitt makes a guest appearance in this comedy starring Queen Latifah. Kitt plays Jacqueline Richards, a celebrity who looks to Kyle's (T.C. Carson) firm to handle her investments. A devoted fan, Kyle jumps at the chance to be her financial manager, but he soon finds a few strings attached.

FRIDAY

The Challengers '96 (PBS, 9-10 p.m. EDT): This program is the first in a series providing half-hour profiles of presidential candidates. First up are former Gov. Lamar Alexander and former United Nations Ambassador Alan Keyes. Their one-on-one interviews with journalist Ken Bode focus on key issues such as affirmative action, abortion, crime, gun control, immigration, and welfare reform. Following each interview is a round-table discussion with three political reporters on the candidates and their campaign strategies.

"The Challengers '96" is scheduled to continue in one-hour blocks for the next three Fridays.

Please check local listings for these programs.