Sony Pictures TV terminates Wheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton after investigation

Sony Pictures Television confirmed that Jim Thornton’s contract as the announcer for "Wheel of Fortune" was ended effective immediately after a company-wide investigation. The studio said the decision was made after it became aware of allegations concerning the longtime announcer.

An interim announcer has re-recorded Thornton’s voice tracks for the upcoming season, which premieres on September 14, and no permanent replacement has been named.

The allegations surfaced after photographs were published showing a laptop screen on an American Airlines flight that appeared to contain a chat room with content involving minors. According to the reports, a passenger alerted a flight attendant, and authorities were prepared to question Thornton upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport, but he was allowed to leave after speaking with investigators.

Thornton and his attorney have not commented publicly on the matter. His lawyer, Allison Hart, told a media outlet that Thornton has been involved in suicide-prevention advocacy following a family loss.

Sony previously issued a statement saying Thornton had been suspended while the investigation proceeded. Thornton, who joined "Wheel of Fortune" in 2010 after the death of former announcer Charlie O’Donnell, also has a background in radio, television, and voice-over work, earning multiple broadcasting awards during his career.