This Japanese electronics company is doubling down on game shows at a time when millions of viewers are abandoning TV for online entertainment.
What is Sony Corp.?
Quiz shows like “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” have been a core part of Sony’s entertainment business since the Tokyo-based giant acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989.
After decades on the air, “Jeopardy” and “Wheel” are still among the most-watched programs in the U.S., with daily audiences of more than 9 million each. Those are huge numbers in an era when many consumers are tuning out traditional TV in favor of Netflix and other unscheduled online programming. “Jeopardy” scored its highest ratings in 14 years last April after the extended run of charismatic champion James Holzhauer.
This month, Sony announced it would spend $510 million to buy out its partner in the Game Show Network. But the company will likely have to make some decisions in the near future about its game-show business as key players near retirement.