Culver City-based Sony said it would send new episodes directly to television stations, escalating the contract dispute with CBS. Paramount-owned CBS said it would go to court to try to block Sony's action.

The studio says it will take over distribution of the two popular game shows next week and amends an earlier lawsuit in the matter.

The fight between Sony and CBS over 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy' intenisifies as Sony aims to take over distribution of the shows by next week.