Ted Turner, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed global journalism by launching the world’s first 24-hour television news network, has died at the age of 87.
According to CNN, Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, surrounded by family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. His death marks the end of a pioneering era in media, where his bold vision reshaped how news is delivered and consumed worldwide.
Widely known as the founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting System, Turner revolutionized television in 1980 by introducing continuous news coverage—an idea once dismissed as risky but now standard across the industry. His influence extended far beyond news, building a media empire that included cable’s first “superstation” and entertainment channels dedicated to movies and cartoons.
Born in Ohio and later based in Atlanta, Turner earned the nickname “The Mouth of the South” for his outspoken personality and unconventional leadership style. He was also a major figure in sports, having owned teams such as the Atlanta Braves, helping elevate their national profile through televised games.
Beyond business, Turner was an accomplished yachtsman and a committed philanthropist. He founded the United Nations Foundation, championed nuclear disarmament, and became a leading conservationist. As one of the largest private landowners in the United States, he played a key role in reintroducing bison to the American West and promoted environmental awareness through projects like the animated series Captain Planet.
In recognition of his global impact, Time magazine named him “Man of the Year” in 1991, citing his role in turning viewers across more than 150 countries into “instant witnesses of history.”
Turner later sold his media holdings to Time Warner, stepping back from day-to-day operations. Still, he remained deeply proud of CNN, often describing it as the greatest achievement of his career.
Just over a month before his 80th birthday in 2018, Ted Turner publicly disclosed that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain condition that affects memory, movement, and cognition. In early 2025, he was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia and later recovered at a rehabilitation facility.
Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Turner leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, risk-taking, and an enduring impact on journalism, philanthropy, and environmental stewardship.
