Local man lands spot on TV show 'Jeopardy!'

Local whizzer Rod Sanders recently flew to California to tape an episode of "Jeopardy!," and the most unexpected aspect of the trip was meeting host Alex Trebek minus the moustache.
   "It was really weird," said Sanders, who works at KRIS 6 News as a master control operator. "I just found myself staring at his upper lip."
   Sanders, who is prohibited by the network to say whether he won or lost, attended a recent casting call in Houston and was selected for the taping. His episode airs on Oct. 3 on FOX.
   "It was a fantastic experience," said Sanders, who is also part of the Joker’s Wild improvisational comedy troupe.
   In addition to a baby-faced Trebek, Sanders also was surprised that he had to pay his own way to Los Angeles - especially when many game shows today such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" pay for flights, accommodations and meals for the contestant and a friend or spouse.
   "They provide you a meal if you’re around for the third show," said Sanders. "They were nice enough to call me a cab to get me back me back to the hotel afterward."
   CMT expansions
   You want your MTV, but what about your CMT?
   Apparently many do. Country Music Television is growing quickly in both ratings and original programming, and soon it may be as widespread as its elder sister networks MTV and VH1. Its new look is more appealing to the boot-wearing demographic, which includes even younger listeners, thanks to artists such as pop-twangers Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks.
   The network also is expanding its original programming with shows that broaden the content beyond traditional country music.
   Notable events include a live broadcast of Farm Aid 2001 with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young Sept. 29; a nine-hour Labor Day marathon of the 100 all-time most-requested videos beginning Saturday; and the premiere of "Crossroads," which teams country artists with musicians from other genres (debuting in mid-October).
   "Crossroads" entertains with unexpected combinations. The debut episode features Hank Williams Jr. rocking out with Kid Rock - the two previously collaborated on the song "Naked Women and Beer."
   ‘On the Verge’
   Another program with potential is "On the Verge," a venue for up-and-coming

Contributed Photo

Jamie O’Neal debuts on ‘On the Verge’ at 9 p.m. Saturday on CMT.

artists ready to break out of the country-fair circuit. Previous "On the Verge" episodes have featured Nickel Creek and Brad Paisley. CMT is now putting its money on Jamie O’Neal, a vibrant new singer from Nashville (her "On the Verge" debuts at 9 p.m. Saturday).
   And O’Neal is banking on the network’s boost. She watched the "On the Verge" with Brad Paisley and Jessica Andrews, and noticed a bump in the artists’ record sales and airplay. "I watch CMT and VH1 constantly," O’Neal admitted. "I love VH1, especially shows like ‘Behind the Music.’ Every artist has a story to tell and has been through something that, to me, is very interesting. It comes from the standpoint of being a fan."
   O’Neal’s second single from her debut album, "When I Think About Angels," recently hit the No. 1 spot on the charts - following the path of her debut single "There Is No Arizona." O’Neal wants to continue her affiliation with CMT, and in the future, she dreams of starring in a "Crossroads" with one of her idols.
   "It shows me that these artists know how great country music is," O’Neal said. "I would love to do a show with Tina Turner, because not only does she have that never-ending spirit, but her energy on stage shows you that she’s giving it her all."
  
   Contact pop culture/media critic Ricardo Baca at 886-3688 or bacar@caller.com
  

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