NAB to Induct ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘JEOPARDY!’ into Broadcasting Hall of Fame
December 05 2017 - 10:34AM
Business Wire
-- Executive Producer Harry Friedman and hosts
Pat Sajak, Vanna White and Alex Trebek to accept honor at annual
NAB Show --
Two of America’s most popular gameshows, “Wheel of Fortune” and
“JEOPARDY!,” will be inducted into the National Association of
Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the new 2018 NAB
Show Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner on Monday, April 9 in Las
Vegas. The two syndicated hits have produced a combined 13,000+
episodes. They are both produced by Sony Pictures Television
Studios and distributed by CBS Television Distribution.
“Broadcast television is home to America’s most beloved
programming. Both ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘JEOPARDY!’ have stood the
test of time and represent the enduring power of broadcasting,”
said NAB Executive Vice President of Television Marcellus
Alexander. “NAB looks forward to honoring these legendary shows and
their iconic producers and hosts in April.”
Reaching more than 25 million weekly viewers, “Wheel of Fortune”
reaches more viewers than any other program on television. Created
by Merv Griffin in 1975 as an NBC daytime show, it is based on the
game “Hangman.” ”Wheel of Fortune” is currently celebrating its
35th season of syndication and is trademarked “America’s Game.”
Pat Sajak began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 when it aired
on network daytime television and continued through its syndication
in 1983. Since then, he has earned three Emmy Awards, a People’s
Choice Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Vanna White quickly became a household name when she was named
co-host of “Wheel of Fortune” in 1982. Since her debut on the show,
she has become a Guinness World Record Holder as “Most Frequent
Clapper” and has also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of
Fame.
Both hosts have been with “Wheel of Fortune” through its entire
35 seasons in syndication.
Currently in its 34th season of syndication and with 23 million
viewers a week, “JEOPARDY!” remains the top-rated quiz show on
television. “JEOPARDY!” has received numerous awards and
distinctions, including a 2011 Peabody Award and the 2017 Emmy for
Outstanding Game Show.
Alex Trebek has hosted “JEOPARDY!” since its debut in 1984. He
has won five Daytime Emmy awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, as
well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of
Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Trebek has hosted more than
7,600 episodes and is honored with stars on both the Hollywood and
Canadian Walks of Fame.
Harry Friedman is the executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune”
and “JEOPARDY!.” He is also a fifteen-time Emmy winner, a Peabody
Award winner, a three-time Guinness World Record Holder and has
received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NATAS. Friedman is
known for creating innovative game elements and incorporating the
latest technology. In September 2006, both shows made television
history when they became the first syndicated programs to broadcast
in high definition.
NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame television inductees include María
Elena Salinas, Chuck Lorre, Shonda Rhimes, “Everybody Loves
Raymond,” “American Idol,” Betty White, Garry Marshall, “Meet The
Press,” Bob Newhart, “The Tonight Show,” and “Saturday Night Live,”
among others.
News media registration is available here.
About NAB Show
NAB Show, held April 7-12, 2018 in Las Vegas, is the world's
largest convention encompassing The M.E.T. Effect, the convergence
of media, entertainment and technology. With 103,000 attendees from
161 countries and 1,800+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate
marketplace for solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting
and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. From
creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless
nationalities, NAB Show is where global visionaries convene to
bring content to life in new and exciting ways. For complete
details, visit www.nabshow.com.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy
association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and
television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs.
Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables
broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their
businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn
more at www.nab.org.
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National Association of BroadcastersAnn Marie Cumming,
202-429-5350