Ted Turner, the outspoken media pioneer who founded CNN and reshaped global television news with the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed in a statement from Turner Enterprises, which said the businessman and philanthropist passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family.
Turner, an Ohio-born entrepreneur often called “The Mouth of the South,” built one of America’s most influential media empires, transforming cable television through bold expansion, risk-taking, and innovation.
His most enduring legacy came on June 1, 1980, when he launched Cable News Network (CNN) — the first all-news, 24-hour television channel, a concept that permanently changed how the world consumes information.
The network allowed audiences across the globe to witness breaking news in real time, a breakthrough that redefined journalism and made CNN a household name in international media.
Turner’s influence, however, extended far beyond news. He built Turner Broadcasting into a cable powerhouse that included WTBS, the first “superstation,” along with entertainment channels that helped shape modern television programming.
He also owned major sports franchises, including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, further embedding himself into American cultural and sporting life.
A passionate yachtsman and outspoken philanthropist, Turner founded the United Nations Foundation and became a major supporter of environmental conservation. He played a key role in wildlife restoration efforts in the United States, including the reintroduction of bison to parts of the American West.
His environmental advocacy also reached younger audiences through the creation of the animated series Captain Planet, designed to promote environmental awareness among children.
In 1991, Time magazine named him “Man of the Year” for his global influence, describing his work as transforming audiences into “instant witnesses of history” across more than 150 countries.
Although he later sold his media empire to Time Warner, Turner often described CNN as his proudest achievement, calling it the most significant work of his life.
CNN leadership paid tribute following his death, with Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson describing him as a fearless visionary whose legacy remains deeply embedded in the organisation.
“He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand,” Thompson said.
CNN anchors also reflected on his impact, with veteran journalist Wolf Blitzer calling him a “legend” who revolutionised television news, while Christiane Amanpour described him as a figure who inspired hope and ambition across global journalism.
Turner’s later years were marked by health challenges. In 2018, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder, and in early 2025 he was briefly hospitalised with pneumonia before recovering in rehabilitation care.
He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
From a young entrepreneur who took over his father’s struggling billboard business to a global media titan, Turner’s journey reshaped broadcasting and left an indelible mark on modern journalism.
