American businessman Ted Turner, creator of the first 24-hour news network, died at the age of 87, according to 'CNN', citing a statement from Turner Enterprises. At the moment, the causes of his death are unknown, although in 2018 the magnate revealed that he suffered from dementia with Lewy bodies. Turner was a figure as influential as he was controversial and left behind an indelible mark on the media, sports, philanthropy and environmental activism.

First modification: 05/06/2026 - 17:07 Last modification: 05/06/2026 - 17:11

A visionary who changed the news forever. Ted Turner's greatest legacy was the creation of 'CNN' in 1980, a risky bet that transformed news consumption worldwide. In an era dominated by news programs at fixed times, his idea of ​​offering continuous information was received with skepticism and even ridicule—it came to be called the “chicken noodle chain.”

“Except problems with the satellite, we will not close until the end of the world”

However, time proved him right. 'CNN' became a global reference, especially during coverage of the Gulf War in 1991, when its journalists reported live from Baghdad, while other networks left the area.

Turner defended an ambitious vision of journalism: “Except for problems with the satellite, we will not close until the end of the world,” he once stated.

From heir to media mogul

Born in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner inherited his father's outdoor advertising business after his suicide in 1963. From there, he began a career marked by risky decisions.

In 1970 he bought a small television station in Atlanta that would eventually become Turner Broadcasting System. His pioneering vision of satellite television allowed the station to be transformed into the first national “superstation.”

To display this content from X (Twitter), you must allow audience measurement and advertising cookies.

His empire grew rapidly with the addition of specialty channels and the acquisition of studios such as MGM, giving him access to a huge library of classic cinema.

The big leap came in 1996 with the merger of his company with Time Warner for billions of dollars, an operation that created one of the largest communications groups in the world. However, that same decision marked the beginning of his loss of control over the business he had built.

A controversial and unfiltered character

Turner was as well known for his business genius as he was for his provocative personality. Nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” or “Captain Scandalous,” he did not hesitate to express controversial opinions.

He maintained a long rivalry with magnate Rupert Murdoch, especially after the creation of Fox News in 1996, a direct competitor of CNN.

He also starred in eccentric episodes, such as proclaiming himself coach of the Atlanta Braves and directing an official game in 1977.

His direct style was summed up by himself:

"I have no idea what I'm going to say. I say whatever comes into my head."

Beyond business, Turner cultivated numerous passions. He owned teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks, and won the America's Cup in sailing in 1977 with his yacht Courageous.

On a personal level, his best-known relationship was with actress Jane Fonda, with whom he was married for a decade.

In his later years, Turner focused his activity on philanthropy and activism. In 1997 he announced a historic donation of $1 billion to the United Nations, considered one of the largest private contributions in history.

He also co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative in 2001 and committed millions to environmental causes through his foundation.

Becoming one of the largest landowners in the United States, he came to own vast tracts of land and a huge bison herd, a reflection of his commitment to conservation.

A legacy between genius and controversy

Turner's fortune, estimated by Forbes at about $2.8 billion, was much larger before collapsing after Time Warner's merger with AOL in 2001.

Despite the financial and personal ups and downs, his influence on the media is unquestionable. CNN paved the way for real-time information and redefined the role of television in global coverage.

“If I had a little humility, it would be perfect,” he once joked.

With his death one of the most audacious, unpredictable and transformative figures in the recent history of communication disappears.

With Reuters and AP

Related keywords

The content you requested does not exist or is no longer available.