CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87
Ted Turner, the outspoken media entrepreneur who founded CNN and transformed global television journalism with the concept of 24-hour news, has died at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement from Turner Enterprises.
Born in Ohio and later based in Atlanta, Turner earned the nickname “The Mouth of the South” for his bold and often provocative style. Over the years, he built a far-reaching media empire that included cable’s first superstation and a range of influential channels spanning movies, news, and cartoons. His ventures also extended into sports, notably with ownership of the Atlanta Braves.
Beyond broadcasting, Turner was widely recognised for his philanthropic and environmental efforts. He established the United Nations Foundation, advocated for the global elimination of nuclear weapons, and became one of the largest private landowners in the United States. A committed conservationist, he played a key role in reintroducing bison to parts of the American West. He also helped bring environmental awareness to younger audiences through the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.
Turner’s most enduring legacy, however, remains CNN. His groundbreaking vision of delivering news continuously, in real time, reshaped how audiences consume information worldwide. The network grew into a global powerhouse, reaching viewers in more than 150 countries.
In recognition of his influence, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991 for reshaping the way people witness world events.
He later sold his media holdings to Time Warner and stepped away from day-to-day operations, though he continued to describe CNN as the greatest achievement of his career.
Tributes have poured in following his death, with Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, describing Turner as “intrepid, fearless and always willing to trust his own judgment,” adding that his legacy would continue to shape the network and global journalism for years to come.
