By Maryanne Awuya
Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who founded CNN and transformed global television news with the first 24-hour cable news network, has died at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement released by Turner Enterprises.
Turner, an Ohio-born businessman widely known for his bold and outspoken personality, built a major media empire that included CNN, the first cable superstation, entertainment channels such as TBS and Cartoon Network, and ownership of sports franchises including the Atlanta Braves.
Beyond media, he was also known for his philanthropy and activism.
He established the United Nations Foundation, advocated for nuclear disarmament, and became one of the largest private landowners in the United States.
His environmental efforts included wildlife conservation projects and the reintroduction of bison to parts of the American West.
He also created the animated series Captain Planet to promote environmental awareness among children.
Turner’s vision for continuous, real-time global news reshaped journalism and made CNN a dominant international news brand.
In 1991, he was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for his influence on global media and communication.
He later sold his media holdings to Time Warner but remained vocal about his pride in CNN, describing it as his most significant achievement.
CNN executives described him as a fearless and visionary leader whose impact continues to define modern news broadcasting.
Turner had previously disclosed that he was living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain condition, and had been receiving medical care in recent years.
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