Ted Turner, CNN Founder, Dies at Age 87

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN who revolutionized television news with the launch of the first 24-hour cable news network in 1980, died at age 87. According to multiple reports, he passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by family after a long battle with Lewy body dementia that began in September 2018.

Turner's impact on the media landscape was profound. He launched Cable News Network (CNN) as the first dedicated rolling news channel on June 1, 1980, initially facing skepticism and being mocked as the 'Chicken Noodle Network.' Despite early challenges, CNN became a pioneer of 24-hour news coverage and set a new standard for journalism. Turner later expanded his media empire to include TNT, TBS, and Turner Classic Movies.

Beyond his media ventures, Turner was known for his philanthropy and sports ownership. He donated $1 billion to United Nations charities through the UN Foundation he established in 1998. In Atlanta, he owned professional sports teams including the Hawks and Braves, with the latter winning the World Series during his ownership in 1995.

Turner's personal life was as colorful as his professional career. He attended McCallie military school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he earned the nickname 'terrible Ted' for practicing taxidermy and growing lawn grass in his room. At Brown University, he was expelled before earning a degree after being caught with a woman in his room.

Turner's competitive spirit extended beyond business. He skippered the yacht Courageous to victory in the America’s Cup in 1977 and won the Fastnet race in 1979, despite storms that claimed 15 lives. His feud with media mogul Rupert Murdoch included a challenge to a boxing match after a collision between their yachts during the 1983 Sydney to Hobart race.

Reactions to Turner's passing came from various figures. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Turner was 'one of the Greats of All Time.' CNN Chairman Mark Thompson described him as 'the giant on whose shoulders we stand,' while former head of CNN Eason Jordan noted that Turner took inspiration from 24-hour radio stations to launch his news network.

Turner's influence extended far beyond media and sports. He was widely recognized for his environmental advocacy and philanthropy, working to preserve more than two million acres of land and championing wildlife conservation efforts, including the protection of endangered species. The Atlanta Braves called Turner 'one of a kind' and credited him with transforming the franchise into 'America's Team,' noting that under his stewardship, the ballclub experienced one of the greatest runs of sustained excellence in Major League Baseball history.

The Atlanta Hawks also paid tribute to their former owner, with Principal Owner Tony Ressler describing Turner as 'a true original, a visionary, and a force of nature whose impact will be felt for generations.' Ressler highlighted Turner's commitment to making the world a better place through his work in media, dedication to environmental causes, and philanthropic leadership. Hawks CEO Steve Koonin called Turner 'a pioneering force' who reshaped both Atlanta and the media landscape.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the city was mourning 'one of our city's boldest thinkers and most generous spirits.' Gov. Brian Kemp also honored Turner in a statement posted to social media, calling him 'a bold man, entrepreneur, and philanthropist' whose media empire 'reimagined the American news cycle and broadcast TV as we know it.'

Turner's legacy includes his visionary approach to journalism, emphasizing truth and transparency. He believed in diversity within the newsroom and advocated for global peace and nuclear disarmament. His contributions to environmental conservation and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on both local and international scales.