Media legend Ted Turner, creator of CNN’s 24-hour news, passes away at 87

Ted Turner, the media visionary who founded CNN and helped reshape global television news, has died peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises.

Born in Ohio and later based in Atlanta, Turner was widely known as “The Mouth of the South” for his outspoken personality. He built a vast media empire that included CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network, as well as pioneering cable channels for movies and cartoons, and ownership of major sports franchises such as the Atlanta Braves.

Beyond media, Turner was a yachtsman, philanthropist and environmental advocate. He established the United Nations Foundation, campaigned for nuclear disarmament, and became one of the largest private landowners in the United States. He also contributed to wildlife conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of bison to parts of the American West, and created the Captain Planet animated series to promote environmental awareness among children.

His most enduring legacy remains CNN, launched in 1980, which transformed news broadcasting by delivering continuous, real-time coverage from around the world. Although initially met with scepticism, the network later became a global benchmark in 24-hour news.

Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991 for his influence on global information flow and his role in turning audiences in more than 150 countries into “instant witnesses” of major world events.

He later sold his media assets to Time Warner but continued to regard CNN as his proudest achievement, calling it the “greatest accomplishment” of his life.

Turner was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018. He was hospitalised in early 2025 with pneumonia but later recovered in rehabilitation.

He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.