Story perspectives

Sony Pictures Television suspends Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton

9/2/2026

Summary

Jim Thornton Suspended

Sony Pictures Television suspended Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton over unspecified allegations.
Allegations stem from a May 14 incident on American Airlines Flight 1276 at LAX after a passenger complaint.
Police questioned Thornton for about five minutes, found no wrongdoing and released him.
Thornton’s lawyer says he engaged in no illegal conduct and faces no charges.
The studio will recast the announcer role while a thorough investigation proceeds.

Summary

Wheel of Fortune Leads

Wheel of Fortune remains the syndicated U.S. TV leader, drawing more than 8 million viewers despite the announcer’s suspension.
Sony’s decision to recast the announcer lets the show keep airing, as episodes are pre-taped and not live.
Thornton’s résumé lists an Edward R. Murrow award, Golden Mike awards and an Emmy, underscoring his professional acclaim.

History

Historical Context

When CBS faced a 2009 incident involving Late Show host David Letterman, it relied on its practice of using guest hosts during Letterman’s 2000 bypass surgery and 2003 shingles absence—an approach funded by the $140 million deal that brought show to CBS. Sony Pictures Television paused Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton in May 2024, using pre-taped production for a program that draws over eight million nightly viewers.

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Jim Thornton Suspended

Sony Pictures Television suspended Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton over unspecified allegations.
Allegations stem from a May 14 incident on American Airlines Flight 1276 at LAX after a passenger complaint.
Police questioned Thornton for about five minutes, found no wrongdoing and released him.
Thornton’s lawyer says he engaged in no illegal conduct and faces no charges.
The studio will recast the announcer role while a thorough investigation proceeds.

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