Sony Pictures Television is escalating its conflict with CBS over the distribution of the iconic game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. In a letter addressed to CBS on Monday, Sony announced that it intends to take over the distribution rights for these shows starting February 10, effectively terminating a partnership that has lasted over four decades. This shift comes as part of Sony’s ongoing lawsuit initiated in October 2024, where it accuses CBS of breaching their contract and engaging in unauthorized syndication deals for the shows outside the United States.
In response, CBS filed a countersuit in November, alleging that Sony is leveraging legal proceedings to escape their contractual obligations. CBS has labeled Sony’s actions as an attempt to gain distribution rights without compensating CBS, claiming that Sony is trying to secure advantages in court that were not achievable through negotiation.
With Sony’s planned takeover of distribution, CBS has communicated its intent to seek a temporary restraining order to maintain the current distribution agreement while both companies navigate their legal disputes. CBS has firmly expressed its position to clients, stating that Sony’s claims of assuming distribution functions are misinformation. CBS maintains that they are still the authorized distributor of both shows and plans to pursue immediate legal relief.
Sony’s recent communications indicate it has already started handling the delivery of episodes to local stations slated for the week of February 10. The letter sent to CBS also demands access to documents concerning domestic and foreign licensing and advertising sales.
In its amended legal filings in Los Angeles Superior Court, Sony has brought forth additional accusations against CBS, including claims that CBS has mislicensed streaming rights for the shows and improperly collected fees for deals they did not fully own. Furthermore, the amended complaint now includes issues surrounding CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, which recently decided to cut ties with the ratings service Nielsen.
This dispute not only highlights the complexities of media rights and syndication but also reflects the evolving landscape of content distribution as companies vie for control over popular television properties. As the legal proceedings develop, the eventual outcomes could significantly impact how audiences access these beloved shows in the future.
Summary: Sony Pictures is set to take over the distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune from CBS on February 10, ending a 40-year partnership. This decision follows Sony’s legal accusations against CBS for breaching their contract, and CBS’s countersuit claims Sony is misusing legal avenues to regain distribution rights without payment. Both companies are now embroiled in legal disputes as they seek resolution in court.