PASADENA, Calif. — Since CBS has prohibited Survivor contestant Rodger Bingham from speaking to reporters, we'll have to let the network speak for the Northern Kentucky castaway.

        Here's how the Crittenden native is described in the network's press kit for Television Critics Association members attending the winter press tour:

        “Like his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before him, Rodger Bingham was born, raised and continues to make his home in Crittenden, Ky.

Bingham

        “He has been married for more than 33 years to his wife, Patricia, and his proudest accomplishment is their daughter, Angela.

        “Bingham studied education at Eastern Kentucky University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in industrial education and, subsequently, a master's degree in education.

        “In addition to teaching industrial arts at Grant County High School, Bingham is a part-time farmer and real estate investor. His previous occupations include 10 years as chief executive of a bank, owner of a lumber company and owner of a hardware store.

        “A self-described workaholic, Bingham is also inventive, diligent, and able to adapt to different situations and personalities.

        “He is an elder at the Crittenden Christian Church and a member of the local Sportsmen Club.

        “He was born on July 5, 1947.”

        CBS' Survivor agreement prohibits the contestants from granting interviews until either they are voted out of the game by their peers or they win the $1 million prize, says Chris Ender, CBS senior vice president for communications.

        If or when CBS airs a show in which Mr. Bingham is “voted out of the tribe,” he will appear the next morning on CBS' The Early Show before speaking to the Cincinnati media, Mr. Ender says.

        CBS executives admit they were surprised to keep most of the 16 Survivor names secret until last week. Only a few names slipped out, including The Enquirer naming Mr. Bingham as a possible contestant in October.

        Mark Burnett, Survivor creator and executive producer, makes no apologies for all the CBS secrecy.

        “There's a big investment, and it's very important to a network,” he says. “It's business. It's just business.”

        From the outset, CBS has clearly stated the regulations and restrictions to all participants, he says.

        “(CBS said) if you want to be on the show, here's the rules. No one is making anybody be on the show. It's just business, and I think it's appropriate.”

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