Midwest BEAT Magazine

FEATURES

ON THE TUBE

(Television News)

by Sharon Pisinski

   Hi Everyone. As the holiday season approaches and families and friends
gather together to celebrate this special time of year, make some hot
chocolate, bake some fresh-baked cookies, and sit down with the family and
check out these TV offerings:

CMT: Highlights
CMT will present a special series based on its popular interview and
performance program, "CMT Showcase".
   "The Best of CMT Showcase '99" will be telecast at 10:30 p.m. on Fridays,
with repeats on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesdays.
   A special bonus episode will air on Dec. 31, with exclusive acoustic
performances by The Dixie Chicks, JoDee Messina, and on of this column's
favorites, Martina McBride.
   "A Year of The Big Ones" will premiere on Sunday, Dec. 26, 1999 at 7p.m.
This special will feature every music video that reached the #1 position on
the weekly CMT "Top 12 Countdown" during the year. Tune in to see which
video will land the #1 spot of the year. Will it be, "Wide Open Spaces,"
"It's Your Song," "That Don't Impress Me Much," "Please Remember Me," or
"This Kiss"? Or will it be something else totally surprising?
   Faith Hill will be discussing her award-winning music videos in an
exclusive CMT special, "Faith's Video Bio". Faith will share
behind-the-scenes details of making her music videos including funny stories,
anecdotes, and trivia. This 90-minute special premieres on Dec. 1 at 6p.m.,
repeating on Dec. 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, and 26.

TNN: Highlights
   Figure skating's top talent will skate to seasonal favorites performed by
Sawyer Brown, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan, and Sherrie Austin when TNN
telecasts its first holiday skating special, "Holiday Celebration On Ice" on
Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.
   Kenny Loggins will star in a TNN holiday special aptly titled, "Kenny
Loggins' December". Join Kenny and his special guests Clint Black and Olivia
Newton-John, as they perform songs from his new CD release, December. The
hour-long special will televise, Dec. 7 at 7p.m.
   Check out these offerings as well:
Dec. 8@8pm:   A Classic Christmas
                          with Martina McBride
Dec. 11@8pm: Gaither Gospel Hour:
                          Joy To The World"
Dec. 13@7pm: Country Holiday At Walt
                          Disney World starring...
                          Tim McGraw, John Berry
                          & Tanya Tucker.

TNN: Highlights
Dec.1 at 7p.m.
"How The Grinch Stole Christmas".
Dec. 5 at 7p.m.
"A Christmas Carol"
Dec. 12 at 7p.m.
"Christmas in Washington, D.C."
Dec. 12 at 8p.m. - "Evita"
Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.
"The Bob Marley All-Star Tribute"
Dec. 30 7p.m.
"TNT 2K Nitro New Year Marathon"

TBS: Highlights
"Target Stars On Ice"
   The world's best figure skaters take to the ice for this magical holiday
special featuring stunning performances from the "Stars On Ice" tour on Dec.
20 at 7:05pm.
"Andy's New Year's Countdown"
   December 31, marks the end of an era for TBS Superstation. It signals the
departure of the Superstations most popular resident as "The Andy Griffith
Show" leaves the network after more than 25 years. To give Andy a big
send-off, TBS will present one final marathon of 33 favorite episodes
counting down to the start of the year 2000.

A&E: Highlights
   A&E kicks off "Game Show Week" with "Vanna White: Game Show Goddess". She
is seen by 40 million people almost every day. Vanna has been the
glamorously coiffed and gownd "Letter Turner" on "Wheel Of Fortune". Check
it out 7p.m. on Dec. 6.
   Game Show week continues with "Bob Barker: Master of Ceremonies", a person
who has given people a chance at winning the American dream for over 40
years. He has given away over $100 million in cash and prizes. Come on
down...7pm. on Dec. 7.
   "The Story of Monty Hall" is one of a man coming out of the Great
Depression with a fierce determination to succeed. "Let's Make A Deal"
became one of TV's most popular programs and made a star out of its host and
co-creator, Monty Hall airs on Dec. 8 at 7p.m.

BIOGRAPHY of the YEAR:
   Who will it be? It will be hush-hush right up to air time. Be there when
the announcement is made on Dec. 13, at 7pm.

   Before I close the column for this year, I want to wish each and everyone
a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season and A Terrific New Year.
   I hope everyone gets what they are wishing for for Christmas, and that no
one finds any coal in their stockings!
And remember, while ringing in the New Millennium, be responsible. Please
don't drink and drive, the life you save may be your own!!!

DECEMBER/JANUARY TRIVIA:

What was the name of the hostess on "Let's Make A Deal"?

NOVEMBER TRIVIA ANSWER:     "ONE"