Ted Turner, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed cable television by launching CNN, died Wednesday at the age of 87, according to a statement cited by CNN.
Turner reshaped the American media industry by creating the country’s first 24-hour cable news network in 1980. CNN revolutionized how television news was delivered and later paved the way for competitors such as Fox News and MSNBC.
BREAKING: Ted Turner, the media tycoon and entrepreneur who founded CNN and revolutionized American cable television, has died at age 87, CNN says. https://t.co/eD0Pzhsydw
— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 6, 2026
Beyond CNN, Turner built the Turner Broadcasting empire with channels including TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. He also owned the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks and became known for his outspoken personality and aggressive business style.
The report said Turner later shifted much of his focus toward philanthropy and environmental causes. He donated $1 billion to the United Nations and co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative.
Turner revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
