Ted Turner, the influential entrepreneur and sportsman known for founding the groundbreaking news network CNN, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by CNN citing a press release from Turner Enterprises. No cause of death has been disclosed, although Turner had publicly revealed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia in 2018.
Born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Turner moved to the South as a child and later excelled in debate and yachting during his time in military schools. He amassed his fortune by taking over his father's billboard company and expanding into television, ultimately establishing a vast media empire that included networks like Turner Classic Movies, TNT, and TBS.
Turner's most notable achievement, CNN, launched in 1980, was the first 24-hour all-news network, challenging traditional news coverage. Despite initial skepticism, CNN became a pivotal platform for global news, particularly during major events such as the Gulf War in 1991. Turner later sold CNN to Time Warner in 1996 but expressed regret over losing control of the network.
In addition to his media ventures, Turner was a prominent sports figure, owning the Atlanta Braves and transforming them into a competitive team during the 1990s. He also invested significantly in environmental causes and philanthropy, notably donating $1 billion to the United Nations.
Turner was married three times, including a decade-long marriage to actress Jane Fonda, and had five children. Described as a visionary, his contributions to media, sports, and philanthropy have left a lasting impact.