ATLANTA, Georgia — Ted Turner, the pioneering media entrepreneur who founded CNN and revolutionized global news broadcasting, has died at the age of 87.
Turner’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by his company, Turner Enterprises. Further details, including the cause of death, have not yet been publicly released.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern media, Turner transformed the television landscape in 1980 with the launch of CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. The move was initially met with skepticism but ultimately reshaped how audiences consume news, establishing round-the-clock coverage as the global standard.
Born in 1938, Turner built his career from a struggling billboard business into a vast media empire. Through Turner Broadcasting System, he expanded into cable television, sports, and entertainment, acquiring properties that would become staples of American broadcasting.
Beyond media, Turner was known for his outspoken personality and ambitious ventures. He owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball franchise, helping to boost their national visibility through televised games.
In later years, Turner became a prominent philanthropist. He pledged $1 billion to support the United Nations and played a key role in launching the United Nations Foundation, focusing on global health, environmental issues, and international cooperation.
Turner also spoke publicly about his health, revealing in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition.
Tributes from across the media, political, and business worlds are expected to continue as leaders reflect on Turner’s legacy. His impact on journalism and broadcasting remains profound, having fundamentally altered how news is delivered and consumed worldwide.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.







