Ted Turner, the brash media pioneer who founded CNN and reshaped global television news, died on May 6 at age 87. According to multiple sources, he passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a long battle with Lewy body dementia that began in September 2018.
Key Takeaways
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN who revolutionized global television news, died on May 6 at age 87 after battling Lewy body dementia. He launched CNN in 1980 and expanded his media empire to include TNT, TBS, and Turner Classic Movies.
- Ted Turner founded CNN in 1980 as the first dedicated rolling news channel
- He died on May 6 at age 87 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia
- Turner donated $1 billion to United Nations charities through his foundation
- President Donald Trump and media figures praised him for transforming journalism
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 United Nations 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.
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.
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