Ted Turner, the renowned billionaire and pioneer of cable news, has passed away at the age of 87. The announcement was made by Turner Enterprises on Wednesday, May 6. Turner, who was well-known for founding CNN and the Turner Broadcasting System, was a significant figure in both the media landscape and environmental advocacy.
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Mark Thompson, CNN’s CEO, paid tribute to Turner, describing him as an “intensely involved and committed leader.” Thompson emphasised Turner’s fearless nature and his ability to trust his instincts, stating, “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.”
Born Robert Edward Turner III on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Turner moved to Savannah, Georgia, at the age of nine after his father began running a billboard advertising company. Following his father’s passing in 1963, Turner took the reins of the family business and soon ventured into television, acquiring a struggling UHF station in Atlanta in 1970.
In 1975, he revolutionised the industry by creating the concept of the “superstation,” which utilised satellite technology to broadcast TBS. His ambition didn’t stop there; in 1976, he purchased the Atlanta Braves, securing the rights to broadcast their Major League Baseball games. However, his most notable achievement came in 1980 with the launch of CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. Under his leadership, CNN soared to prominence, reaching an audience of 165 million households by the dawn of the 21st century, spurring the expansion of Turner Broadcasting into multiple channels including TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.
Turner’s influence extended beyond business as he became well-regarded for his philanthropic endeavours. He founded the Turner Foundation in 1990, with a focus on environmental issues, and was instrumental in the creation of the animated series “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” to engage young audiences in environmental conservation. His commitment to global causes was further underscored when he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations in 1997, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Foundation the following year.
In addition to his media and philanthropic accomplishments, Turner was a passionate yachtsman, gaining acclaim for his victory in the 1977 America’s Cup. His contributions earned him a place in the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 1993. A notable landowner, he possessed over two million acres across the United States and held a substantial herd of bison on his various ranches.
Turner’s personal life saw him through three marriages, all of which ended in divorce. Among his notable relationships was his marriage to actress Jane Fonda, which lasted from 1991 to 2001. Fonda recounted in her memoir the unique bond they shared, from moments of laughter to the challenges they faced, including Turner’s infidelity and her struggles with alcohol during their tumultuous relationship.
In September 2018, Turner publicly announced he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a serious neurodegenerative disease. He described his case as mild compared to Alzheimer’s disease but acknowledged the challenges it presented in daily life.
Throughout his lifetime, Turner garnered numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to media and philanthropy. Notably, he was named TIME magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991 and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame that same year. His legacy continues to inspire many, with Turner leaving behind five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Ted Turner’s remarkable journey as a media innovator and philanthropist has left an indelible mark on the world, and he will be remembered for both his pioneering spirit and his unwavering dedication to the environment.