CNN founder Ted Turner, the media mogul who revolutionized television news with the launch of the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87.
Turner changed the media landscape forever when he launched Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980, betting that audiences would tune in to around-the-clock news coverage. Critics initially mocked the idea, but CNN became a global powerhouse, covering historic events from the Challenger disaster to the Gulf War and the September 11 attacks in real time.
Born in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner built a media empire from his father’s billboard business before expanding into broadcasting. He later founded WTBS, known as the “superstation,” which helped pioneer nationwide cable television.
Beyond television, Turner became known for his larger-than-life personality, environmental activism, and philanthropy. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to support the United Nations, one of the largest charitable donations in history.
Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, helping raise Atlanta’s profile as a major sports city. Though he stepped away from CNN years ago following the merger of Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner, his influence on journalism and cable television remained enormous.
Tributes poured in Wednesday from journalists, political leaders, and media executives, many calling Turner a visionary who transformed how the world consumes news.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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I liked him, good man. I worked for him in the early 2000s in Atlanta as an editorial producer.