Ted Turner, the media pioneer who permanently altered the global news landscape and launched the first 24/7 news network, CNN, has died. He was 87. His death was reported in a news release from Turner Enterprises
Turner also founded WTBS, which pioneered a "superstation" network on cable TV along with sister network TNT, plus Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies.
"When he hired me, he said something that has always stayed with me," said longtime CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer. "He said, CNN will be seen in the United States, but it's also so important that it's seen around the world."
Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III was in 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, but made his career as an Atlanta-based businessman. Turner's career began when he took over his father's billboard business, Turner Outdoor Advertising, in 1963.
Beyond media, he was renown for his philanthropy work, as well. Turner famously gave $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation, a public charity created to broaden U.S. support for the United Nations. He also co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) in 2001, an organization focused on reducing global reliance on, and preventing the proliferation of, dangerous weapons.
Turner played a significant role in saving the American bison from near-extinction by building the world's largest private bison herd, totaling roughly 45,000 head. Through his company, Turner Ranches, he utilized "eco-capitalism" to restore the species by fostering a market for bison meat, ensuring their economic and ecological survival on his vast ranchlands.
Turner was also the former owner of sports teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta Thrashers. He was frequently spotted on TV sitting behind the dugout or home plate in the first row of Braves games.Turner was also famously married to actress and activist Jane Fonda. They married in 1991 and divorced ten years later, in 2001.
It was Turner's third marriage, but despite the divorce, they have remained close friends. Fonda has called him her "favorite ex-husband" and reflected that he taught her "joy generosity and adventure".
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, said in a statement. “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 recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
