Ted Turner, Media Mogul and CNN Founder, Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the billionaire businessman best known for founding CNN and building Turner Broadcasting System, has died at the age of 87. His company, Turner Enterprises, confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday, May 6.

In a statement, CNN CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as a bold and visionary leader whose influence shaped the network’s identity and legacy.

Born Robert Edward Turner III on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he later moved to Savannah, Georgia, where his father operated a billboard business. After his father’s death in 1963, Turner took over the company and expanded it. By 1970, he had entered the television industry by acquiring a struggling Atlanta UHF station.

In 1975, Turner pioneered the concept of the “superstation,” using satellite technology to broadcast nationwide, which eventually became Turner Broadcasting System. He continued expanding his reach by purchasing the Atlanta Braves, allowing him to air their games on his network.

His most groundbreaking achievement came in 1980 with the launch of CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, which transformed global media. The network’s success led to the growth of additional channels, including CNN Headline News, CNN International, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.

In 1996, Turner sold Turner Broadcasting to Time Warner for $7.3 billion in stock. He remained vice chairman until 2003 and left the board in 2006.

Beyond business, Turner was deeply involved in philanthropy and environmental advocacy. He founded the Turner Foundation in 1990 to support environmental causes and helped launch the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers to inspire young people to protect the planet. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, leading to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. He also founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative in 2001.

Turner was also an accomplished yachtsman, winning the 1977 America’s Cup and later being inducted into its Hall of Fame. He became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, with more than 2 million acres and tens of thousands of bison across multiple ranches.

In his personal life, Turner was married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001.

In 2018, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive condition affecting cognitive function.

Throughout his life, Turner received numerous honors, including being named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991 and induction into the Television Hall of Fame. He also received a Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award for lifetime achievement.

He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.