CNN Founder Ted Turner Dead at 87, Leaving Historic Media Legacy

When Turner launched Cable News Network in June 1980, the media establishment scoffed at the idea. Traditional broadcasters believed there was simply no appetite for round-the-clock news. His gamble paid off in ways that completely reshaped the television industry. By the early 1990s, CNN became the destination for live coverage of global news.

Turner had successfully transformed everyday viewers into instant witnesses of history. His larger-than-life persona naturally intersected with politics and Hollywood. He was married to actress Jane Fonda for a decade, and his outspoken nature earned him respect from leaders across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social, describing Turner as “one of the greats.” In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year for his impact on the public.

Health Battles And A Lasting Global Legacy

In his later years, the media mogul faced significant health challenges with the same candor he applied to his business ventures. Just prior to his 80th birthday in 2018, Turner publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive and debilitating brain disorder. More recently, in early 2025, he was hospitalized with a bout of pneumonia before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

Despite selling his networks to Time Warner in 1996 and eventually stepping away from the corporate spotlight, Turner always maintained that CNN was the greatest achievement of his professional life. Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. As the world remembers his contributions today, it is impossible to look at a television screen, a news alert, or a conservation effort without seeing the indelible mark of the Mouth of the South. He changed the way we see the world, and in doing so, he changed the world itself.

Please stay tuned for any further updates on Ted Turner passing.