Clear-com has announced that the production teams for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have added Clear-Com FreeSpeak wireless and Arcadia Central Station to upgrade their production communications.

Audio Masterpiece’s Gary Vahling, who has worked in the professional audio industry since the early 1990s, served as the lead systems partner for the project. Known for his meticulous preparation and hands-on testing approach, Vahling made sure the communications system was fully validated before deployment, minimizing risk and guaranteeing reliability once it reached the studio floor.

Chris Savage, technical manager and project lead for both shows, oversaw the system design and installation.

“Both shows share a control room but have stages that are effectively miles apart due to walls, pathways, and even parking lots,” Savage explained. “We needed a system that could handle extensive travel between the control room and the stages without a single dropout, and that’s exactly what we achieved.”

The production team on Wheel of Fortune requested a more flexible and channel-rich system to accommodate a technically savvy crew with increased monitoring needs. Clear-Com integrated a combination of FreeSpeak II and FreeSpeak Icon systems, leveraging Bluetooth-enabled beltpacks for maximum ease-of-use, even for executives with minimal technical experience.

For Jeopardy!, reliability and streamlined communication were equally critical in supporting the show’s fast-paced production environment, where timing, contestant coordination, and precision cueing are essential, Clear-com said. The Clear-Com setup provides dedicated wireless coverage across the stage and production areas, giving crew members instant, uninterrupted communication throughout tapings.

The system now supports 30 FreeSpeak II beltpacks and 6 Icon beltpacks for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, with easy intersystem connectivity.

The upgrade also included Arcadia Central Station, allowing full interoperability with existing Dante-enabled audio networks. This approach enabled lighting and PA crews to continue using legacy FreeSpeak II beltpacks while taking advantage of FreeSpeak Icon’s advanced capabilities.

“The goal was a system that would last for years and scale with evolving production needs,” said Savage. “The team at Clear-Com, working closely with our Partners, delivered a solution that was simple and useful. From control room to stage, operators experienced zero downtime, even during high-pressure live productions.”

JERSEY CITY, N.J.—Sports betting and iGaming operator BetMGM has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television and International Game Technology PLC (IGT) to launch an online Wheel of Fortune Casino. The casino will be the first full brand-led online casino in North America when it launches this year in New Jersey. 

“Wheel of Fortune”, which is preparing for its milestone 40th season, has been widely licensed as slot machines in the last 25 years. The online launch of Wheel of Fortune Casino will represent the latest gaming extension for the brand and is another example of how entertainment and media companies have been jumping into legalized betting with their sports and entertainment assets. 

"Wheel of Fortune is watched nightly by millions of people and BetMGM is honored to partner with Sony Pictures Television and IGT to bring this online casino experience to life," said Matt Prevost, chief revenue officer, BetMGM. "Once live, Wheel of Fortune Casino will offer players the excitement of their favorite game show and real money wagering in the palm of their hand."

Launching first in New Jersey, Wheel of Fortune Casino will house America's Game-branded slot titles produced by global gaming leader IGT, along with many other themed games and features.

"We are delighted to be partnering with BetMGM for the launch of Wheel of Fortune's very first online casino,” said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows, Sony Pictures Television. “With Wheel of Fortune celebrating its 40th season this year, we are pleased to continue offering players additional, new ways to play the games they know and love."

"The Wheel of Fortune brand has been synonymous with slot gaming for more than 25 years, and this unprecedented brand-led online casino, driven by BetMGM's compelling platform and promotional capabilities, is well-positioned to engage and entertain new and long-time players,” added Enrico Drago, CEO digital and betting at IGT. “As part of our ongoing PlayDigital strategy, we will continue to look for new and exciting ways to leverage our third party and home-grown brands with our operating partners."

WASHINGTON—“Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” will be inducted to the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame April 9, 2018, during the NAB Show Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner, NAB announced this week.

“Both ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ have stood the test of time and represent the enduring power of broadcasting,” said NAB EVP of Television Marcellus Alexander, in an NAB press release.

Together the syndicated shows, both produced by Sony Pictures Television Studios and distributed by CBS Television Distribution, have produced more than 13,000 episodes.

“Wheel of Fortune” was created by Merv Griffin in 1975 as an NBC daytime show. Based on the game Hangman, the show is in its 35th season of syndication. More than 25 million viewers watch weekly. Host Pat Sajak and co-host Vanna White have received various awards and accolades, including three Emmy Awards for Sajak and recognition by Guinness World Record organization as “Most Frequent Hand Clapper” for White.

“Jeopardy!” is in its 34th season of syndication. Every week, 23 million viewers watch the show. Host Alex Trebek has won various honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

Harry Friedman, who also has been recognized by NATAS with a Lifetime Achievement Award, is the executive producer of the shows. He has a track record of creating innovative game elements and using new technology. Both became the first syndicated shows to be broadcast in high definition in September 2006, the NAB release said.

More information is available on the NAB Show website.