Media pioneer Ted Turner, the visionary behind CNN, has died at the age of 87, with his family confirming he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones.
Turner revolutionised global journalism when he launched CNN on June 1, 1980, creating the world’s first 24-hour television news channel, a bold idea that transformed how audiences consume news and made real-time global reporting a standard practice.
Known for his outspoken personality, Turner built a vast media empire that included cable television’s first superstation and major networks like TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, while also owning professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves, expanding his influence beyond media.
Beyond business, Turner was widely respected for his philanthropic efforts, having founded the United Nations Foundation and supported causes such as environmental conservation and nuclear disarmament, while also playing a key role in wildlife preservation, including efforts to reintroduce bison in the United States.
Colleagues and journalists paid tribute to his legacy, with CNN executives describing him as fearless and visionary, while veteran broadcasters noted that his innovation paved the way for modern television journalism.
Turner revealed in 2018 that he was battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder, and despite his health challenges, he remained proud of CNN, often referring to it as his greatest achievement.
His death marks the end of a transformative era in media, with his legacy continuing to shape global news and influence how stories are told around the world.
