Ted Turner, CNN creator who revolutionized the media industry, dies at 87
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Ted Turner, the pioneering media mogul who founded CNN and transformed television news with 24-hour live coverage, has died at age 87; he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018.
- Turner revolutionized cable television by creating networks such as TBS, Turner Classic Movies, and the Cartoon Network, and expanded into sports ownership with the Atlanta Braves and Hawks, as well as professional wrestling via World Championship Wrestling.
- His creation of CNN in 1980 introduced the 24/7 news cycle, fundamentally changing how news was consumed and inspiring competitors like MSNBC and Fox News; Turner prioritized journalism and live coverage, often funding costly broadcasts from conflict zones.
- Beyond media, Turner was a major philanthropist and conservationist, becoming one of the largest private landowners in the U.S. and supporting causes like world peace, nuclear nonproliferation, and environmental protection through significant donations including to the United Nations Foundation.
- Despite some business missteps and corporate shakeups, including the merger with Time Warner and his eventual departure from the company, Turner’s legacy as a visionary risk-taker and media innovator remains influential in the industry.
