Ted Turner, the bold sportsman and entrepreneur known for creating the media empire that included CNN, has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by CNN through a press release from Turner Enterprises. The cause of death was not disclosed.
In 2018, Turner disclosed that he was battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive nerve disorder. Born as Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in 1938, he later moved to the South with his family and excelled in military schools, becoming a champion debater and yachtsman.
Acquiring his father’s billboard business and delving into television in 1970, Turner transformed his ventures into a successful television group, which encompassed Turner Classic Movies, TNT, and the TBS SuperStation, propelling him into a prominent figure in the American media landscape.
His pivotal achievement was launching CNN in 1980, the first 24-hour all-news network, aimed at countering what he deemed as inadequate coverage by major networks. Despite initial skepticism, CNN’s groundbreaking coverage of global events and wars cemented its status as a leading news source.
Apart from his media contributions, Turner expanded into sports ownership, notably with the Atlanta Braves baseball team, guiding them to success and a World Series championship in 1995. He also had a deep passion for conservation, acquiring vast tracts of land and promoting bison herds’ revival.
Turner’s philanthropic endeavors were noteworthy, highlighted by his $1 billion donation to the United Nations and support for environmental causes and clean energy initiatives. His legacy as a visionary, philanthropist, and media pioneer remains influential in various spheres.
