Ted Turner, Founder of CNN, Dead at 87

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a pioneering figure in media, has died at the age of 87, CNN reports. He had been living with Lewy body dementia since 2018, but the specific cause of his death hasn’t been released.

CNN, launched on June 1, 1980, revolutionized news by becoming the first channel to offer around-the-clock coverage and dedicating itself entirely to news. Beyond CNN, Ted Turner created other popular channels like Turner Network Television (TNT) and Turner Classic Movies, which has become a valuable resource for film lovers. He also demonstrated a commitment to environmental issues by creating the character Captain Planet and producing the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers. Adding to his diverse portfolio, Turner previously owned the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks sports teams.

While Ted Turner made significant contributions to philanthropy and conservation, he believed his greatest achievements were in the media. CNN CEO Mark Thompson stated that Turner was the driving force behind CNN and a foundational figure for the network. Thompson described Turner as a dedicated, bold leader who wasn’t afraid to take risks and trust his instincts.

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2026-05-06 18:53