Ted Turner Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the American media entrepreneur and founder of CNN, died at the age of 87 on 6 May 2026. He founded CNN in 1980 and later expanded his media holdings through Turner Broadcasting System, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.

Ted Turner and Cable News

CNN, launched in 1980, became the world’s first 24-hour global news network. Turner was widely associated with the nicknames “the Mouth of the South” and “Captain Outrageous”. Turner Broadcasting System, or TBS, began in 1976 and became part of his wider cable television business.

Sports Ownership and Philanthropy

Turner owned the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Braves won the 1995 World Series during his ownership. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, which led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation, where he served as Chairman of the board of directors.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ted Turner founded CNN in 1980, and CNN became the first 24-hour global news network.
• Turner launched Turner Broadcasting System in 1976 before expanding into TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.
• He owned the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks, and the Braves won the 1995 World Series under his ownership.
• He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018 and was hospitalised with pneumonia in January 2025.

Conservation and Land Holdings

Turner dedicated large tracts of his land to wildlife preservation through Ted Turner Reserves. His land holdings covered more than two million acres and were linked to conservation projects in the United States.