By Amanda Castro and Gabe Whisnant
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Ted Turner, the outspoken media pioneer who launched CNN and ushered in the era of 24-hour global news, died Wednesday at 87, according to Turner Enterprises. The Ohio-born Atlanta businessman built a far‑reaching media empire and became one of the most influential figures in modern broadcasting.
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What to Know
- Turner founded CNN, creating a nonstop global news model that reshaped how audiences consumed information.
- He earned the nickname “The Mouth of the South” for his bold, unfiltered public persona throughout his rise in media.
- His empire included cable’s first superstation, multiple entertainment channels, and ownership of the Atlanta Braves.
- Turner became a major philanthropist, establishing the United Nations Foundation and donating heavily to global causes.
- He was a leading conservationist who helped reintroduce bison to the American West and became one of the country’s largest landowners.
- Turner disclosed a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia in 2018 and was hospitalized with pneumonia in early 2025 before recovering..
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May 06, 2026 at 02:57 PM EDT
Turner expanded his media empire with MGM, TNT, WCW and more
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By the mid‑1980s, Ted Turner was rapidly expanding his media footprint, pursuing bold acquisitions that reshaped television and entertainment. After purchasing Brut Productions in 1981, Turner made a high‑stakes move in 1986 by buying MGM/UA Entertainment from Kirk Kerkorian for $1.5 billion. The deal saddled Turner Broadcasting with heavy debt, forcing him to sell parts of the company back to Kerkorian, but Turner retained MGM’s vast pre‑1986 film and television library. That archive became the foundation of Turner Entertainment Co., launched later that year.
Turner syndicated the MGM library nationwide and controversially colorized several classic black‑and‑white films, sparking backlash from filmmakers and critics. The debate ultimately contributed to the creation of the National Film Registry, which preserves films in their original format.
In 1988, Turner expanded again by purchasing Jim Crockett Promotions, rebranding it as World Championship Wrestling (WCW). WCW became the primary rival to the WWF throughout the 1990s in what became known as the Monday Night War. That same year, Turner launched Turner Network Television (TNT) with Gone With the Wind as its debut broadcast, later adding original programming and newer reruns.
Turner continued building his entertainment portfolio with the 1994 launch of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), showcasing his extensive library of MGM, Warner Bros., and RKO titles. His companies also acquired Hanna‑Barbera Productions, helping establish the foundation for Cartoon Network, which debuted in 1992.
Internationally, Turner partnered with Russian journalist Eduard Sagalajev in 1993 to create the Moscow Independent Broadcasting Corporation, which launched the TV‑6 network. Though Turner exited the venture a year later, the move reflected his ambition to expand global broadcasting.
Across film, television, animation, and sports entertainment, Turner’s acquisitions and launches throughout the 1980s and early 1990s cemented his status as one of the most influential media executives of the modern era.
May 06, 2026 at 02:42 PM EDT
Inside Ted Turner’s ‘doomsday video,’ CNN’s secret end-of-the-World tape
One of the most unusual pieces of Ted Turner’s legacy is the so‑called Turner Doomsday Video, a short recording created before CNN launched in 1980 and intended to air only if the world were ending. The clip features members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine bands performing the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee” in front of CNN’s original headquarters in Atlanta. Turner commissioned the video immediately after the network recorded its sign‑on rendition of “The Star‑Spangled Banner.”
Turner famously declared that CNN would remain on the air “until the world ends,” promising the hymn would play as the network’s final sign‑off. The video, shot in standard definition and a 4:3 aspect ratio, remained locked away in CNN’s archives for decades under strict “hold for release” instructions.
Rumors of the tape circulated as early as the late 1980s, but it did not surface publicly until 2015, when a former CNN intern leaked a copy online. The revelation sparked widespread fascination and inspired comparisons to fictional end‑of‑the‑world broadcasts in films and television. The tape has since become a quirky piece of media lore—an example of Turner’s flair for showmanship and his belief that CNN should be prepared to cover every story, even the last one.
May 06, 2026 at 02:28 PM EDT
Ted Turner Launched CNN With a Bold 24‑Hour News Vision
In 1978, Ted Turner revived an idea he had once dismissed: a 24‑hour television news channel. After media executive Reese Schonfeld outlined how such a network could operate with an electronic newsroom, satellite distribution, and a staff of roughly 300, Turner committed to the plan. The project required an initial investment of up to $20 million, prompting Turner to sell his North Carolina station, WRET, to help fund the launch.
Turner established the new network’s headquarters in Atlanta, where operating costs were lower, and appointed Schonfeld as the first president and CEO of what became the Cable News Network (CNN). The early leadership team included veterans from NBC and other major outlets, helping shape the network’s identity before its 1980 debut. Internal disputes eventually led to Schonfeld’s departure in 1982, with Turner assuming the CEO role and Burt Reinhardt stepping in as president.
The launch of CNN marked a turning point in global media, proving that continuous, real‑time news coverage could become a defining force in modern broadcasting.
May 06, 2026 at 02:15 PM EDT
How Ted Turner built WTBS and sparked the superstation Revolution
After leaving Brown University, Ted Turner returned to the South in 1960 to help run his father’s billboard company, eventually taking over as president at just 24 after his father’s death. Under his leadership, the business expanded rapidly, becoming the largest outdoor advertising company in the Southeast. Turner also began acquiring radio stations, but by 1969, he shifted his focus to television, purchasing Atlanta’s struggling UHF station Channel 17.
Turner renamed the station WTCG and filled its schedule with inexpensive syndicated programming, old movies, and off‑network reruns. He also secured broadcast rights to the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, giving the station a steady stream of live sports. In 1976, the FCC approved Turner’s plan to transmit WTCG via satellite, allowing cable systems nationwide to carry the channel. Rebranded as the WTBS Superstation, it became one of the first nationally distributed cable channels, reaching millions of homes and dramatically increasing Turner’s wealth.
Turner continued to expand his media footprint, purchasing additional stations and using WTBS to elevate the Braves to a nationally recognized team. By the late 1970s, he had secured the TBS call sign and renamed his company Turner Broadcasting System, laying the groundwork for the cable empire that would later include CNN, TNT, and Cartoon Network. His early success with WTBS marked the beginning of a broadcasting revolution that reshaped American television.
May 06, 2026 at 02:01 PM EDT
Christiane Amanpour pays tribute to Ted Turner, calling him a ‘giant’ of media
Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour honored Ted Turner following his death, praising the CNN founder as a visionary who “created an unstoppable media revolution for the benefit of all humankind.” In a post reflecting on her more than four decades at the network, Amanpour said that working for Turner and carrying out his mission had been “the proudest achievement” of her career.
May 06, 2026 at 01:48 PM EDT
Maria Shriver honors Ted Turner, says he ‘forever changed’ broadcasting
Journalist and author Maria Shriver paid tribute to Ted Turner following news of his death, calling him “a legendary figure in so many ways.”
In a post shared Wednesday, Shriver said Turner fundamentally reshaped both the broadcasting industry and the modern news landscape, noting that interviewing him was an unforgettable experience.
May 06, 2026 at 01:35 PM EDT
What to know about Turner’s youth
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Turner grew up in a family shaped by his father’s success in the billboard industry. When he was nine, the Turners relocated to Savannah, Georgia, where he was raised in the Episcopal tradition. Turner later attended The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a prestigious boys’ preparatory academy that emphasized discipline and leadership—traits that would define his career.
Turner enrolled at Brown University, where he became vice president of the debating union, captain of the sailing team, and a member of Kappa Sigma. He initially majored in classics, a choice his father strongly opposed, before switching to economics. Turner never completed his degree; he was expelled for violating campus housing rules, though Brown later awarded him an honorary B.A. in 1989 when he returned to speak at a national broadcasting conference.
With the Vietnam War escalating, Turner joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve to fulfill his service obligation. He later recalled enjoying his time on the water and being stationed in Charleston and Fort Lauderdale, experiences that deepened his lifelong love of sailing.
May 06, 2026 at 01:22 PM EDT
Turner pushed for renewable energy
A longtime advocate for clean energy, Ted Turner founded Turner Renewable Energy (TRE) to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. TRE has invested in MERIT SI, a sustainable infrastructure company specializing in solar and energy‑storage solutions.
Turner has also implemented solar projects across his ranches and at Ted’s Montana Grill locations, reinforcing his belief that renewable energy is essential to the planet’s future.
May 06, 2026 at 01:08 PM EDT
Inside Ted Turner’s two million acres: The ranching empire behind his name
Through Turner Enterprises, Ted Turner oversees roughly two million acres of land across eight states, making him one of the largest private landowners in North America.
His properties include 13 ranches that support the continent’s largest commercial bison herd, totaling about 45,000 animals. Turner’s land management emphasizes conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable ranching practices.
May 06, 2026 at 12:54 PM EDT
PHOTO: Jimmy Carter and Ted Turner at the National League Championship Series in 1998
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May 06, 2026 at 12:40 PM EDT
How Ted Turner built Ted’s Montana Grill into a national brand
In 2002, Ted Turner partnered with restaurateur George W. McKerrow Jr. to launch Ted’s Montana Grill in Columbus, Ohio.
The restaurant chain, now operating dozens of locations nationwide, is known for its classic American comfort food and signature bison dishes.
Turner infused the brand with his environmental values, incorporating waste‑reduction strategies and clean‑energy practices across its operations.
May 06, 2026 at 12:26 PM EDT
Ted Turner’s Nuclear Threat Initiative: A mission to prevent global catastrophe
In 2001, Ted Turner co‑founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) with former Senator Sam Nunn to address the growing dangers posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
NTI works to strengthen global security, reduce stockpiles, and close gaps in international preparedness. The organization reflects Turner’s long‑standing belief that preventing weapons‑related disasters is essential to global stability.
May 06, 2026 at 12:13 PM EDT
Why Ted Turner donated $1 million to the United Nations
In 1997, Ted Turner stunned the world by pledging up to $1 billion to support the United Nations. The donation led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation, which advances global priorities including women’s health, children’s welfare, environmental protection, and peace and security.
Turner’s gift remains one of the largest philanthropic commitments in history and cemented his reputation as a global humanitarian.
May 06, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
Ted Turner’s fight to protect wildlife through the Endangered Species Fund
The Turner Endangered Species Fund, established in 1997, reflects Ted Turner’s deep commitment to biodiversity. The fund focuses on restoring imperiled species across Turner’s vast landholdings, which span millions of acres.
Its work includes habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and long‑term conservation planning.
The initiative is a core grantee of the Turner Foundation, underscoring Turner’s belief that private landowners can play a crucial role in protecting wildlife.
May 06, 2026 at 11:47 AM EDT
How Ted Turner helped inspire a generation with Captain Planet
In 1990, Ted Turner and producer Barbara Pyle launched Captain Planet and the Planeteers, an animated series designed to teach children about environmental responsibility.
The show became a cultural touchstone, inspiring the creation of the Captain Planet Foundation, which funds hands‑on environmental projects for young people.
Turner’s goal was to empower children to take action in their own communities, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to conservation and environmental education.
May 06, 2026 at 11:34 AM EDT
What to know about Ted Turner’s philanthropy
As one of America’s most influential philanthropists, Ted Turner dedicated much of his fortune to global and environmental causes. He founded the Turner Foundation in 1990 to support clean air and water initiatives, wildlife protection, and sustainable energy.
In 1997, Turner made headlines with a historic $1 billion pledge to the United Nations, leading to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. His philanthropic work has since focused on women’s health, children’s welfare, environmental protection, and global security.
May 06, 2026 at 11:21 AM EDT
Inside Ted Turner’s cable empire: from TBS to Cartoon Network
Over two decades, Ted Turner built one of the most influential portfolios in cable television. After launching CNN, he expanded into entertainment with networks such as TNT, Cartoon Network, CNN Headline News, CNN International, and Turner Classic Movies.
His company later absorbed Castle Rock Entertainment and New Line Cinema, strengthening its foothold in film and scripted programming. The 1996 merger with Time Warner and the subsequent AOL deal reshaped the company’s future, but Turner’s imprint on cable television remains unmistakable.
May 06, 2026 at 11:08 AM EDT
Trump pays tribute to Ted Turner, calling him a ‘broadcasting great’
President Donald Trump issued a public tribute following the death of Ted Turner, describing the media pioneer as “one of the greats of all time” and a longtime friend.
In his post, Trump praised Turner’s role in founding CNN and reflected on how the network changed after Turner sold it, saying the shift in direction had been personally difficult for him.
"Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people, will be able to bring it back to its former credibility and glory," he added. "Regardless, however, one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine. Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!"
May 06, 2026 at 11:08 AM EDT
How Ted Turner transformed television with the birth of CNN
Ted Turner reshaped global media in 1980 when he launched CNN, the world’s first 24‑hour television news network. The channel’s around‑the‑clock format revolutionized how audiences consumed breaking news and set a new standard for real‑time reporting.
Turner had already disrupted the industry with TBS Superstation, which introduced the “superstation” concept and brought local programming to national audiences. His early acquisitions—including Atlanta’s Channel 17, the Atlanta Braves, and later the Atlanta Hawks—helped build the foundation for a media empire that would dominate cable television for decades.
May 06, 2026 at 10:55 AM EDT
Photos of Ted Turner in his youth
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May 06, 2026 at 10:48 AM EDT
Who is Ted Turner’s wife? What to know about Jane Fonda and the couple’s divorce
Ted Turner, the media mogul who reshaped cable television and founded CNN, was unmarried at the time of his death and was divorced three times. His most high‑profile marriage was to actress and activist Jane Fonda, whom he wed in 1991. Their decade‑long relationship became one of the most publicized unions in American media and entertainment before ending in divorce in 2001.
Fonda later said the split stemmed from her need for personal growth, explaining that remaining in the marriage would have prevented her from becoming the person she wanted to be. Turner, in his memoir Call Me Ted, wrote that her conversion to Christianity created tension between them, though he emphasized it was not the sole cause of the breakup. Despite their differences, the two remained on friendly terms, with Fonda often calling him her “favorite ex‑husband” and continuing to attend events with him.
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Before marrying Fonda, Turner was previously married to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964 and Jane Shirley Smith from 1965 to 1988, making him a three‑time divorcee whose personal life was as high‑profile as his media empire.
May 06, 2026 at 10:42 AM EDT
How Ted Turner turned the Braves into ‘America’s team’
Turner bought the Atlanta Braves in 1976, viewing the struggling franchise as both an investment and a key piece of his growing media empire. Instead of running the team like a traditional owner, he treated it as content—using it to build reach for his Atlanta television station.
His biggest move came by putting Braves games on his TBS “superstation,” broadcasting them nationally at a time when most teams limited TV exposure. The constant visibility turned a regional club into a nationwide brand and helped earn the Braves the nickname “America’s Team.”
Turner’s tenure was also defined by stunts and volatility. He famously named himself manager for a game in 1977 during a losing streak, a rules violation that forced him to step down almost immediately. He clashed publicly with players, meddled in roster decisions, and drew league fines—fueling his reputation as “The Mouth of the South.”
Over time, the chaos gave way to success. By the 1990s, the Braves had become one of baseball’s dominant teams, culminating in a World Series title in 1995.
May 06, 2026 at 10:36 AM EDT
What is Ted Turner’s net worth?
Ted Turner, the media mogul who created CNN and helped shape modern cable television, held an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion to $2.9 billion as of early 2026. His wealth, once valued at nearly $10 billion, was built through his pioneering work in broadcasting, massive landholdings, and decades of high‑profile business ventures.
Turner became a billionaire after transforming his father’s billboard company into a media powerhouse that included CNN, TBS, and TNT, which he sold to Time Warner for $7.3 billion in 1996. The value of his fortune dropped sharply after the AOL–Time Warner merger in 2001, when plummeting stock prices erased billions from his portfolio. Even so, Turner remained one of North America’s largest private landowners, controlling roughly 2 million acres of ranchland and environmental preserves. He also maintained the world’s largest private bison herd, estimated at around 45,000 animals.
A committed philanthropist, Turner signed the Giving Pledge and famously donated $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation.
May 06, 2026 at 10:31 AM EDT
Who was Ted Turner?
Ted Turner, born Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III, was a groundbreaking American media mogul, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose ideas reshaped modern broadcasting. Turner founded CNN in 1980, creating the world’s first 24-hour global news network and redefining how audiences consumed breaking news. His influence extended across cable television with the creation of TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies, helping establish the blueprint for modern cable programming.
Turner’s ambitions stretched far beyond media. He purchased the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, becoming a major figure in American sports. His philanthropy was equally transformative: he donated $1 billion to launch the United Nations Foundation, cementing his role as one of the most significant benefactors in global humanitarian work.
A committed environmentalist, Turner became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, managing nearly two million acres and championing conservation efforts. Celebrated as “Captain Courageous,” he was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991, a testament to his sweeping impact on media, philanthropy, and public life.
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May 06, 2026 at 10:26 AM EDT
Ted Turner, media visionary who built CNN, has died
Ted Turner, the outspoken media pioneer who created CNN and transformed global journalism with the first 24-hour television network, died Wednesday at 87, according to Turner Enterprises. His audacious vision for around‑the‑clock news reshaped how the world consumed information and cemented him as one of the most influential figures in modern media.
Born in Ohio and long based in Atlanta, Turner built a sprawling empire that included cable’s first superstation, multiple entertainment channels, and ownership of the Atlanta Braves. His larger‑than‑life persona earned him the nickname “The Mouth of the South,” but his ambitions extended far beyond television. Turner founded the United Nations Foundation, championed nuclear disarmament, and became a leading conservationist, helping reintroduce bison to the American West and becoming one of the nation’s largest landowners.
Turner revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder, and he was hospitalized with pneumonia in early 2025 before recovering at a rehabilitation facility. He is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great‑grandchildren.
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