Ted Turner, the trailblazing founder of CNN and a driving force behind the rise of 24-hour cable news, has died at the age of 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises released on Wednesday (May 6). Turner Enterprises confirmed his passing, marking the end of an era for the media, conservation, and philanthropic worlds.

Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati, Ohio, Turner took over his family’s billboard business in 1963 after his father’s death. He quickly expanded it into a broadcasting empire, launching TBS as the first nationwide “superstation” in 1976 and creating CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news channel, in 1980. CNN changed how the world consumed news and set the stage for non-stop television coverage. As noted in his CNN profile, Turner's vision led to the creation of other networks including CNN Headline News, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.

Beyond media, Turner was known for his passion for environmental causes. He established the Turner Foundation in 1990 to focus on global conservation, and he became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, using his ranches for wildlife restoration projects. Turner Enterprises highlights that he spent decades helping endangered species and promoting large-scale conservation.

Turner also made headlines for his philanthropy, most notably pledging $1 billion to support United Nations programs over a ten-year period, a promise he completed in 2015. He co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative in 2001 to address global security risks. Turner believed that helping others brought him the greatest joy and satisfaction.

Recognized for his bold business moves and outspoken personality, Turner won the America’s Cup yacht race in 1977 and owned sports franchises such as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. He received multiple Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Turner was open about his diagnosis with Lewy body dementia, which he revealed in 2018. Despite health challenges, he remained active in conservation and philanthropy, turning over large tracts of land for ecological preservation up until his final years.

Turner is survived by his five children and leaves behind a media legacy that continues to shape journalism and environmental action. Details about memorial services have not yet been announced. For more about his life and achievements, the six-part documentary series Call Me Ted is available on Max.

On-Air Schedule