The outspoken billionaire reshaped television, sports, news, and philanthropy through a career built on risk, disruption, and global ambition.
Ted Turner, the media mogul who changed the way the world watched news, has died at 87. According to CNN, Turner died Wednesday, May 6, after Turner Enterprises confirmed the news. The CNN founder revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
Turner launched CNN in 1980, creating the first 24-hour cable news network at a time when television news followed fixed schedules. His bold idea grew into a global model later followed by MSNBC and Fox News. He also created TBS and Turner Classic Movies, owned the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, and helped elevate cable and satellite broadcasting.
Beyond media, Turner became known for philanthropy, land conservation, environmental causes, and a $1 billion pledge that helped launch the United Nations Foundation. His influence stretched across news, sports, entertainment, and global activism.
