CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87

Ted Turner, the visionary who created CNN in 1980 and fundamentally altered the global news landscape, died on Wednesday at age 87. Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in November 1938, he attended Brown University before being expelled. He took over a failing family advertising business after his father's suicide, then built a media empire. His purchase of an Atlanta UHF station in 1970 led to the launch of the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour television news channel, which revolutionized how Americans — and the world — received news. Beyond media, Turner owned the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and Atlanta Hawks (NBA), led a winning America's Cup yachting team, and was married to actress Jane Fonda. In later years, he focused on philanthropy, including a $1 billion pledge to the United Nations and environmental activism.

Turner's impact on the news industry was profound: CNN's around-the-clock format changed expectations of immediacy, forcing traditional broadcasters to adapt. His bold risk-taking — including launching CNN during a recession — established a model for cable news that still dominates today. Turner also pioneered the concept of the global news network, with CNN International reaching hundreds of countries. His legacy extends to media consolidation and the blurring of news and entertainment, though his later charitable work — particularly on climate change — earned widespread respect. He was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and received numerous honors for his media and philanthropic achievements.