Ted Turner, the bold and unconventional businessman who reshaped global television news with the launch of CNN in 1980, has died at the age of 87, the network confirmed on Wednesday.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, distinctive mustache, and passion for yachting and philanthropy, Turner had been battling Lewy Body Dementia in his later years.
Turner’s creation of CNN marked a turning point in broadcast journalism. As the first U.S. network dedicated to 24-hour news coverage, it disrupted traditional programming and quickly gained international prominence. Its reputation soared during its live reporting of the Gulf War, bringing real-time updates from the frontlines into homes around the world.
CNN’s global reach expanded as its correspondents reported on pivotal moments in modern history, including the collapse of the Soviet Union and the violent suppression of protests in Tiananmen Square protests. Its decision to maintain live coverage from Baghdad during U.S. airstrikes solidified its status as a trusted source for breaking news.
“Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand,” said Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide. “We will all take a moment today to recognize his impact on our lives and the world. He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.”
Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November 1938, he attended a military boarding school in Tennessee before enrolling at Brown University, though he did not complete his studies.
Turner’s legacy endures not only through CNN but also through his lasting influence on journalism, media innovation, and global information sharing.
