NewsChannel 9's 'Miss Marcia' Retiring
UPDATED: 12:49 PM EDT
Marcia Kling announced Thursday she will be retiring May 30th, after more than 51 years at WTVC Newschannel 9.

In an email to her fellow employees, Marcia said, Unlike the Energizer Bunny, I never intended going on and on ...  So, when my work day ends on Thursday, May 30, I will leave the station for the last time.  The decision to do so has not been easy ... and largely because of all of you.

Marcia Kling joined WTVC in 1962 to host TV-9s Romper Room School.  She immediately became known as Miss Marcia, a name that stuck.  The following year, Miss Marcia developed her own educational program for preschoolers on WTVC called Funtime.  The show ran from 1963 to 1978.  Countless children in the Tennessee Valley learned their ABC's from Miss Marcia over the years. 

In 1978, Nifty Nine was created as a program for kids age six to twelve.  Miss Marcia produced and hosted Nifty Nine as the program that replaced Funtime.

Miss Marcia has served as the stations Director of Community Affairs and in 1982 focused her work on the lives of people over 50 in her role as the Life Watch reporter.  More recently, Miss Marcia has had a regular presence on This N That, a weekday local talk show at 12:30p.

WTVC General Manager Mike Costa said Marcia Kling is everything that is good about Chattanooga.  We have been honored to have her represent WTVC Newschannel 9.  Not many people can say theyve worked at the same station for more than 50 years but Miss Marcia will tell you she hasnt worked one day in those years because she has been doing what she loves.  We love Miss Marcia and will miss her gracious presence in the building and on our air. 

Miss Marcia and her husband David plan to remain active with the many community projects to which they volunteer time.  They also plan to enjoy their role of full time grandparents. 

About Sinclair
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, currently owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 112 television stations in 61 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 29.8% of U.S. television households and includes FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, MNT, CW and an Azteca affiliate. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information and can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.