CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87

The media mogul pioneered the modern 24-hour news culture when he launched the Cable News Network in 1980.

Ted Turner, the influential media entrepreneur and founder of CNN, has died at the age of 87, as confirmed by Turner Enterprises. Turner was known for his fearless vision, leadership, and ability to trust his instincts, pioneering the 24-hour news cycle by launching CNN. Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN Worldwide, honored Turner as the guiding spirit of the network, expressing deep respect for his enduring impact on journalism and global media. The announcement marks the passing of a media giant whose legacy continues to shape the industry. This is a developing story and may be updated with further details.

Ted Turner, the media mogul who founded CNN, has died at 87, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing a news release from Turner Enterprises. In a statement, Mark Thompson, the chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide said that “Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement.” “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN,” Thompson said. “Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.” Turner transformed television news by launching CNN, and went on to also become a prolific philanthropist, founding the United Nations Foundation in 1998 and donating a record $1bn to the UN. According to the foundation: “Ted’s goals in establishing the Foundation were to demonstrate the value of investing in the UN, encourage new partners to work with the UN, and promote strong US leadership at the UN.” He also founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-profit advocacy organization that describes itself as “a global security organization working to reduce threats from nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity”. In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year for “influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history”. Turner sold his media company, Turner Broadcasting System, which included CNN, to Time Warner Inc in the 1990s. In 2018, he announced that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. Turner was briefly hospitalized in 2025 with a mild case of pneumonia. According to CNN, Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Ted Turner, the media tycoon who founded CNN and led an empire that also included cable channels TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies as well as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, has died, CNN reported Wednesday, citing a statement from his company, Turner Enterprises. He was 87. Turner was never a man to shy away from a challenge — on land or sea. He was the skipper who brought the America's Cup yachting trophy back to the U.S. in 1977. He devoted hundreds of thousands of acres of land to save the American bison. He owned the Atlanta Hawks for 19 years and the Atlanta Braves for 20, during which time the Braves won the 1995 World Series.

Ted Turner, a mercurial tycoon and gadfly visionary whose “superstation” TBS was a cornerstone of cable TV’s early success, whose 24-hour news channel CNN revolutionized TV journalism, and whose sprawling legacy encompassed conservation, philanthropy and professional sports, died Wednesday. He was 87. His death was first reported by CNN, the news channel he founded, which cited a statement from Turner Enterprises. Additional details were not immediately available. Mr. Turner had revealed in 2018 that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder.

Ted Turner, the influential media mogul and philanthropist who founded CNN and revolutionized the cable news industry, has died at the age of 87.

Ted Turner, a brash television pioneer who transformed the news business by launching CNN and introducing the 24-hour cable news cycle, died Wednesday at age 87.

Ted Turner, the influential media entrepreneur and founder of CNN, has died at age 87. A groundbreaking figure in television, Turner revolutionized the industry with the creation of the first 24-hour news network, CNN, in 1980, a move driven by his frustration with the limitations of traditional TV news.

Ted Turner, the outspoken entrepreneur who transformed the news business with the creation of CNN, died on Wednesday at the age of 87.

Ted Turner, the former owner of the Atlanta Braves who signed baseball's first free agent, has died at 87.

Ted Turner, the pioneering media mogul who founded CNN in 1980 and revolutionized the news industry with 24-hour coverage, has died at age 87. Known for his bold personality and visionary leadership, Turner built a media empire from his father's billboard business, establishing major cable channels like TBS, TNT, and the Cartoon Network. Among his notable achievements were launching CNN, acquiring MGM's film library, and owning major Atlanta sports teams, particularly the Braves. Turner's colorful life included marriages—most famously to actress Jane Fonda—a legendary yachting win in the 1977 America's Cup, and widely publicized eccentric comments. Despite personal and financial ups and downs, including being edged out after selling Turner Broadcasting to Time Warner in 1996, Turner's legacy includes immense philanthropic efforts. He donated $1 billion to United Nations initiatives and co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative. He amassed over 2 million acres of land, helped revive bison herds, and opened Ted's Montana Grill. Diagnosed later in life with Lewy body dementia, Turner spent his final years focused on conservation and global peace projects, emphasizing adventure over material gain throughout his remarkable life.

Ted Turner, the brash sportsman and entrepreneur whose ambition and instincts led to a media empire that included the groundbreaking news network CNN, has died, CNN reported, citing a press release from Turner Enterprises. He was 87.