RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
Media entrepreneur Ted Turner, who revolutionised global television journalism with the launch of the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement issued by Turner Enterprises.
Turner founded CNN in 1980, pioneering continuous, real-time news coverage and transforming how audiences consume global events. The network went on to become one of the most influential media organisations worldwide.
“Turner’s vision changed journalism forever by making news immediate, global, and constant,” the statement said.
Known for his bold personality and unconventional approach, Turner built a vast media empire that extended into entertainment and sports, including the launch of channels such as Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. He also owned the Atlanta Braves, significantly boosting the team’s national profile.
Industry figures described him as a transformative force in broadcasting. “He was a once-in-a-generation media pioneer whose influence touched every corner of modern broadcasting,” a former CNN executive said.
Beyond media, Turner was a noted philanthropist and environmental advocate. He established the United Nations Foundation after pledging $1 billion to support United Nations initiatives and became one of the largest private landowners in the United States. His environmental efforts also included wildlife restoration and public awareness campaigns, notably through the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.
In 1991, Time named him Man of the Year, recognising his far-reaching impact on global media. “He turned viewers into instant witnesses to history,” the magazine wrote at the time.
Turner later stepped back from active leadership after selling much of his media holdings to Time Warner, though he remained closely associated with CNN, often describing it as his proudest achievement.
In 2018, he disclosed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and had faced declining health in recent years.
“Ted was fearless in his ideas and relentless in pursuing them,” a longtime associate said. “He believed in his instincts when few others did.”
