Ted Turner, a groundbreaking media entrepreneur and founder of CNN, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87, as confirmed by Turner Enterprises.
He created CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, revolutionizing how Americans consumed news and prompting competitors to adopt the same approach. Known for his bold personality and the moniker “The Mouth of the South,” the Ohio native had a vibrant career that began in Atlanta.
Before CNN, Turner was instrumental in the cable industry’s evolution, establishing the first superstation and delving into movies and cartoons. He also made headlines in sports, particularly with the Atlanta Braves, and had a significant presence as a yachtsman and philanthropist.
Beyond media, Turner was a co-founder of the United Nations Foundation and advocated for global issues such as nuclear disarmament. His commitment to the environment included initiatives like reintroducing bison to the West and creating the Captain Planet cartoon to engage children in conservation efforts.
Turner’s vision for CNN was simple yet ambitious: provide live news from anywhere, at any time, countering the limitations of scheduled broadcasts. Initially mocked, this model proved invaluable during historic events, allowing viewers to experience unfolding news in real-time.
In 1991, Time magazine recognized Turner as its Man of the Year for transforming global news consumption.
After selling his networks to Time Warner, Turner stepped back from daily operations but continued to champion CNN, referring to it as the most significant achievement of his lifetime.
CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson paid tribute to Turner’s leadership and lasting influence in a statement on Wednesday.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless, and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment,” Thompson remarked. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
In 2018, Turner revealed he had Lewy body dementia, a condition he faced leading up to his 80th birthday. He was hospitalized for pneumonia in early 2025 but made a recovery.
He leaves behind five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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