**Tributes Paid to Ted Turner Following His Passing**
Ted Turner, the legendary media mogul credited with founding CNN and revolutionising news broadcasting, has passed away at the age of 87. The announcement was made by Turner Enterprises on May 6, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends alike, including former President Donald Trump.
Mark Thompson, the current CEO of CNN, expressed profound sadness at Turner’s death, describing him as “an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid and fearless.” Thompson emphasised Turner’s lasting influence, declaring, “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognise him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump commemorated Turner as “one of the Greats of All Time.” He referenced Turner’s emotional investment in CNN, which he sold to Time Warner in 1996, lamenting what he perceives as a dramatic shift in the network’s direction since its acquisition. Trump remarked, “He was personally devastated by the Deal because the new ownership took CNN, his ‘baby,’ and destroyed it.” The former president added a note of hope, suggesting that perhaps the current ownership could restore CNN’s former credibility.
While Trump’s comments reflect his views, CNN has yet to provide a statement regarding the claims about Turner’s discontent with the network’s recent trajectory. It’s worth noting that Turner’s legacy is far-reaching, having changed the landscape of television when he launched the first 24-hour news network in 1980.
Turner’s journey in television began in 1970 when he acquired a struggling Atlanta UHF station. His innovation, which included creating the “superstation” that became Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), showcased his ability to foresee the potential of satellite technology. In addition to CNN, Turner Broadcasting later included networks such as TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, fundamentally altering how content was consumed across the globe.
In 1996, Turner made a monumental decision to sell his company to Time Warner for a staggering $7.3 billion in stock. He remained with the company as vice chairman until 2003 and stepped down from the board in 2006. Despite this corporate transition, he continued to engage in charitable initiatives throughout his life, including significant support for environmental causes and advocacy at the United Nations.
Ted Turner made headlines in 2018 when he disclosed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a condition he described as a less severe form of dementia than Alzheimer’s but nonetheless challenging. During an interview, he noted with a touch of humour, “I can’t remember what my disease is,” which revealed a sense of resilience despite his struggles.
Lewy body dementia, identified as the second most common neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s, is known to profoundly affect individuals both physically and psychologically, as explained by experts in the field. Dr Alex Pantelyat, from Johns Hopkins, has described the disease as “incredibly devastating,” underscoring its impact on a person’s identity and cognitive functions.
Turner’s contributions to media and society are monumental, and he leaves behind a rich legacy that transcends the news industry. He is survived by his five children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who will undoubtedly remember him for his pioneering spirit as well as his personal warmth.
The world of broadcasting has indeed lost a visionary, and tributes to his life and achievements illustrate the profound impact he has made. As the news evolves, it remains crucial to acknowledge and reflect on the contributions of those who have shaped it, ensuring that figures like Ted Turner are remembered for their innovation and spirit.