CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Media entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ted Turner, has died at the age of 87, according to a statement from his company, Turner Enterprises.

Turner reportedly passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by family.

Born in Ohio, Turner built a vast media empire that transformed global journalism. His most defining achievement was the creation of the Cable News Network (CNN), the world’s first 24-hour news channel, which reshaped how news is gathered and consumed internationally.

Nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” for his outspoken personality, Turner expanded his business interests beyond news media. His portfolio included cable television networks such as TNT and Cartoon Network, as well as ownership of major sports franchises, including the Atlanta Braves.

Beyond media and business, Turner was also known for his philanthropic work. He established the United Nations Foundation, which supports global humanitarian initiatives, and contributed billions of dollars to causes focused on peace, environment, and public health.

He was also a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and nuclear disarmament. Turner invested heavily in land conservation efforts in the United States and played a key role in wildlife restoration projects, including the reintroduction of bison to parts of the American West.

In popular culture, he also supported educational programming, including the creation of the “Captain Planet” animated series, designed to promote environmental awareness among children.

Tributes have continued to pour in, with many describing Turner as a visionary who revolutionised global media and permanently changed the speed and scope of news reporting.

Turner’s legacy is widely seen as one that bridged journalism, business innovation, and activism, leaving a lasting imprint on both American media and global communication systems.