Ted Turner, the visionary founder of CNN who revolutionized global news broadcasting, died peacefully at age 87 Wednesday, surrounded by family, according to a statement from his company, Turner Enterprises. The billionaire media mogul was widely recognized as an influential force in modern journalism and philanthropy.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as “an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless, and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment.” Turner’s legacy includes establishing CNN—a pioneering 24-hour news network that transformed how audiences consumed real-time global events—and building an expansive media empire spanning cable superstations, entertainment channels, and professional sports franchises like the Atlanta Braves.
A self-proclaimed “Mouth of the South” for his outspoken nature, Turner was also a renowned environmentalist who championed bison reintroduction in the American West and created the educational children’s series Captain Planet. His foresight earned him Time magazine’s 1991 Man of the Year honor, acknowledging his role in connecting 150 countries to “instant witnesses of history.”
Turner sold his media assets to Time Warner but remained steadfastly proud of CNN, calling it “the greatest achievement” of his life. In later years, he focused on land stewardship, acquiring numerous ranch properties across the U.S., including a significant Montana estate where he spent his final years.
A lifelong advocate for environmental conservation and nuclear disarmament, Turner’s impact spanned journalism, philanthropy, and ecological preservation—a testament to his enduring vision.
