Sophomore student challenges Toros to think fast for sweet prizes.
By Sapphire Perez, Staff Reporter
Many people have watched a game show and thought they could outsmart the contestants, buzzing in answers faster and proving it’s “not that hard.” Being a game show contestant is a bucket list item for a lot of people, especially in Los Angeles, and now one student is giving his fellow Toros a chance to turn their dreams into reality.
Sophomore FTVM student Immanuel Tims is the host of “Person, Place, or Thing” on KDHR, the university’s official radio station. Tims launched the 20-minute show this past March—it’s one of six programs currently airing on the student-run platform.
The game plays out over three rounds. At the start of each round, Tims announces whether the answer will be a person, place, or thing, then presents seven possible clues—one for each piece of chocolate. Two contestants pick a number between one and seven to select their clue. After hearing it, they must either guess immediately or allow their opponent a chance to steal the point.
With each clue revealed, one piece of chocolate is removed until someone guesses correctly or the round ends. Here’s the twist: one clue is randomly assigned as a “dud.” If selected, the contestant automatically loses the round.
Tims develops the topics himself, drawing inspiration from online discussions and in-person conversations. He researches each suggested topic to create a list of clues. Prizes are donated by Tims’ supporters.
“I have two people from my church supply prizes for me,” Tims told The Bulletin. “Or like my family, because my family are big supporters, too.”
In a recent episode, sophomores Joshua Zuniga and Naomi Arias competed against each other. Zuniga told The Bulletin he enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the show.
“It gets your mind running and racing,” said Zuniga, a journalism and theatre arts student. “It was really, really fun and if possible, I would really like to do this again.”
KDHR is operated and funded by Associated Students, Inc. ASI regulates the shows permitted on the station, manages studio scheduling, and oversees DJ operations, while the station itself is run by volunteers. Everyone at CSUDH can apply to volunteer at the station, but students are required to meet a minimum GPA to host a show.
The application process includes submitting a show synopsis and proposed title. While no prior experience is required, accepted applicants must complete a training course before going on air. Raven Emmert, the station manager and ASI’s marketing coordinator, said KDHR can provide Toros with a creative outlet.
“I think it is wonderful to have a space for students to express themselves creatively and take a much-needed break from the demands of coursework,” Emmert told The Bulletin. “We believe it is an incredible addition to the college experience and what people are learning in the classroom.”
Tims said he had long dreamed of hosting his own show, inspired by watching “Wheel of Fortune” with his family every night. In fact, he decided to major in film, television, and media in hope of becoming a game show host some day.
“That was my number-one passion and I knew that I wanted to follow it, and I just needed a way because television is a pretty lucrative spot to get in,” Tims said. “I knew I had to shoehorn my own way in, so why not just do it myself … and then see where it takes me from there?”
Tims had multiple show ideas, including a cooking show and other game formats, but thought “Person, Place, or Thing” would be his best bet. Prior to the show’s premiere, Tims held mock rounds to gauge interest and recruit contestants.
Participants have included Tims’ friends, family, and members of his church. As the show gained attention, interested contestants started sending direct messages to KDHR’s Instagram and Tims’ personal account.
“To have it on this scale, on this platform, it’s like I said, it’s surreal,” reflected Tims. “Sometimes it just doesn’t sit, sink in, but sometimes it does, it’s like dang, like, I worked really hard for this.”