CBS remains in the game

Network locks 'Wheel of Fortune,' 'Jeopardy!' until 2012

By JOHN CLARKE JR.

CBS TV Distribution has locked up the longest-running, highest-rated gameshows in TV syndication --"Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" -- for another two years, giving it the gamers through 2012.

TV stations in more than 30% of the country have renewed the two syndie perennials, including ABC O&Os in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco and CBS O&Os in Dallas, Boston, Detroit and Miami.

CBS TV Distribution doesn't break out revenues from individual shows, but published estimates put each show's annual profits at about $70 million.

Exec producer of both shows is Harry Friedman for Sony Pictures TV. Domestic distrib is the CBS-owned King World Prods.

"Wheel" is now in its 24th season, "Jeopardy!" in its 23rd.

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