WORTH NOTING ON TV

THURSDAY

The Nightly Business Report (Public TV stations and cable channels - check local listings): In a seven-part feature, this nightly program looks at the long, heated public-policy debate about health-care reform. But this time the issue is examined through the eyes of those who will end up - one way or another - paying much of the tab and providing the services. The focus is on the role of insurance companies, physicians, hospitals, state governments, and other groups - including investors. The opening sho w discusses the results of an opinion poll among business leaders on how health care reform should be approached. Later programs take up other specific aspects of the issue - such as "managed competition." FRIDAY

Investigative Reports (Arts & Entertainment Channel, 9-10 p.m.): "Gambling on the Future" takes a provocative look at how gambling in its many forms is reaching throughout society - often regulated by the government itself. State lotteries - or proposals for them - are popping up around the country. Slot machines are invading stores and offices. Certain native American groups are turning to casinos as an answer to their longstanding economic plight. Besides the spread of gambling itself, this edition of the news-feature series, with host-narrator Bill Kurtis, raises questions: Are we reaping the whirlwind in sowing such dangerous seeds? What about the cost - to society, to individuals, ultimately to the economy - of such an "easy" answer to raising revenue? SATURDAY

National Press Club (C-Span, 6- 7 p.m., E.T.): The guest speaker is Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

World Figure Skating Championships (NBC, 4-6 p.m.): Taped in the Prague Sports Hall, in the Czech Republic, these are exhibitions by some of the world's best skaters, with commentary by Katarina Witt, Dick Enberg, Sandra Bezic, and Gayle Gardner.

Please check local listings for all programs, especially those on PBS.