Ted Turner, Media Visionary and CNN Founder, Dies at 87
Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who founded CNN and built Turner Broadcasting System, died on Wednesday at his home in Lamont, Florida. He was 87.
The cause of death was not disclosed. Turner had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018 and was hospitalized with pneumonia in early 2025.
CNN Coverage and 'Doomsday Video'
Shortly after CNN's launch in 1980, Turner commissioned a video intended to air only if the world ended, according to archival records.
The footage, labeled "TURNER DOOMSDAY VIDEO," shows military bands performing the hymn "Nearer, My God, to Thee" outside CNN's original Atlanta headquarters. The video included instructions to hold for release until the end of the world was confirmed.
It remained in CNN's archives until former intern Michael Ballaban leaked it in 2015. Turner had stated that CNN would remain on air until civilization collapsed and would play the hymn before signing off.
Career and Business Achievements
"His vision for 24-hour cable news transformed the media industry and gave viewers everywhere a front seat to witness history unfold." — Rupert Murdoch
- Founded CNN, the first 24-hour all-news television network, which launched on June 1, 1980.
- Built TBS SuperStation by transmitting an Atlanta UHF station via satellite in 1976.
- Acquired the MGM film library in the 1980s, leading to the launch of TNT and Turner Classic Movies.
- Founded Cartoon Network through the acquisition of Hanna-Barbera.
- Created the Goodwill Games in 1986, which ran until 2001.
- CNN gained prominence during the 1990-1991 Gulf War for extensive live satellite coverage.
- Named Time magazine's Man of the Year in 1991.
- Sold Turner Broadcasting System to Time Warner in 1996 for approximately $7.3 billion in stock.
- After the AOL-Time Warner merger in 2001, Turner's ownership in the combined company fell from over 10% to roughly 4%. He sold most of his Time Warner stock in 2003.
Sports Ownership
"Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand." — Mark Thompson, CNN Worldwide Chairman
Turner owned professional sports teams at various times, including:
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
- Atlanta Thrashers (NHL)
He was also an accomplished yachtsman.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
- Pledged $1 billion to the United Nations in 1997, leading to the creation of the UN Foundation. The final installment was paid in 2017.
- Co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative with former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn.
- Became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, with over 2 million acres.
- Owned a herd of about 50,000 bison and founded Ted's Montana Grill restaurant chain in 2002.
Early Life: Born Robert Edward Turner III on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended military boarding school and Brown University, from which he was expelled. He took over his father's billboard company after his father's suicide in 1963.
Family: Married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. He had five children, 14 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
Statements
"Ted's entrepreneurial spirit, creative ambition and willingness to take risks changed the media industry forever." — David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO
"Ted is the presiding spirit of CNN... the giant on whose shoulders we stand." — Mark Thompson, CNN Worldwide Chairman
U.S. President Donald Trump described Turner as "one of the greats of all time" and a friend. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described Turner as a "bold man, entrepreneur, and philanthropist."
CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour said Turner "created an unstoppable media revolution for the benefit of all humankind."