TDTed Turner, the charismatic founder of CNN is dead.
Turner, the billionaire who re-introduced the world of media and sports, died at the age of 87.
Turner had disclosed in September 2018 that he was suffering from Lewy body dementia, a brain disorder that affects memory and other cognitive functions.
The 1991 Time Magazine’s Man of the Year transformed the world of television, inventing 24-hour news with CNN and pioneering national basic cable.
To feed his “superstation,” he made deals that rewrote the rules of sports broadcasting.
Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III, born November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an American media proprietor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist widely credited with transforming modern television and pioneering the 24-hour news cycle.
Turner was raised in a business-oriented household by his father, Robert Edward Turner Jr., who operated a billboard advertising company. After attending Brown University, Turner left before completing his degree following the death of his father in 1963, subsequently assuming control of the family business, Turner Advertising Company. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly and laid the foundation for his later ventures in broadcasting.
In the early 1970s, Turner acquired a struggling UHF television station in Atlanta, which he rebranded as WTBS. Through innovative use of satellite distribution, Turner transformed the station into one of the first “superstations,” enabling nationwide broadcasting and redefining television distribution in the United States.
Turner’s most groundbreaking achievement came in 1980 with the launch of Cable News Network, the world’s first 24-hour cable news channel. Despite early skepticism, CNN revolutionized journalism by delivering continuous, real-time news coverage and became globally prominent during major events such as the Gulf War.
He later expanded his media empire by founding Turner Broadcasting System, which grew to include channels such as TNT and Cartoon Network, as well as a vast film and television library. In 1996, Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner in one of the largest media mergers of its time, significantly increasing Turner’s influence in global media.
Beyond business, Turner is known for his philanthropy and environmental advocacy. He pledged $1 billion to support the United Nations, leading to the creation of the United Nations Foundation in 1998. He has also been active in wildlife conservation and nuclear disarmament initiatives.
Turner is also a sports enthusiast and former owner of professional teams, including the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. His broader legacy lies in reshaping the media landscape, introducing global audiences to continuous news, and championing large-scale philanthropy.
He remains a significant figure in the evolution of global broadcasting and media innovation.
