The founder of CNN, Ted Turner, has died at the age of 87. Turner Enterprises confirmed the news. Turner was a major figure in global media. He changed how the world receives news.
Turner launched CNN in 1980. It became the first 24-hour news channel in the world. This move changed journalism. It made live, continuous news coverage the global standard. CNN grew into one of the most influential news organisations worldwide. Turner also expanded into entertainment. He helped create Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. He also owned the Atlanta Braves, which increased his influence in American sports.
Beyond media, Turner played a strong role in philanthropy. He donated large sums to support United Nations programmes. This led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. He also supported environmental causes and wildlife protection. In 1991, he was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year for his global impact.
In 2018, Turner revealed he had Lewy body dementia. The condition affected memory, behaviour, and movement. He gradually stepped back from active business roles after selling most of his media empire to Time Warner. Despite declining health, he remained closely linked to CNN, which he often described as his proudest achievement. His death marks the end of a major chapter in modern journalism. Industry leaders continue to describe him as a bold innovator who permanently reshaped global news and communication.
