Ted Turner, founder of CNN, dies at 87

Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who reshaped global television news through the creation of CNN, has died at the age of 87.

His passing was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement from Turner Enterprises, as reported by CNN.

Turner revolutionized the media landscape in 1980 with the launch of CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network, transforming how audiences consume news and bringing live, continuous coverage to viewers across the globe.

Beyond broadcasting, in 1998, he established the United Nations Foundation following a landmark personal donation of $1 billion to the United Nations—at the time the largest charitable contribution ever made by an individual. His support aimed to strengthen the UN’s capacity to address global challenges and promote peace and development.

Reflecting on his impact, the UN Secretary-General stated: “Ted Turner believed in the United Nations – and in its purpose – at a defining moment. And he invested in that mission. His $1 billion dollar commitment to the United Nations – and subsequent creation of the United Nations Foundation – represented at the time the largest individual philanthropic gift in modern history.”

According to a Guardian article, Turner’s business career also included the sale of his media empire, Turner Broadcasting System—which encompassed CNN—to Time Warner Inc. in the 1990s.

His achievements earned him widespread recognition, including being named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991 for “influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history.”

Ted Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.