6 May 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
ATLANTA, Georgia – The man who taught the world that news never sleeps has finally rested.
Ted Turner, the media mogul who founded CNN and revolutionized television news, has died at age 87, CNN reported Wednesday, citing a news release from Turner Enterprises. His family confirmed the passing to the New York Times.
Turner transformed television news by launching CNN in 1980 – the first 24-hour cable news network. At a time when most Americans received their news in half-hour evening broadcasts, Turner bet that viewers wanted news whenever they wanted it. He was right.
"He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN," said Mark Thompson, chair and CEO of CNN Worldwide. "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."
⚡ LEGACY AT A GLANCE: Founded CNN (1980) • Created 24-hour news cycle • Time Man of the Year (1991) • Donated $1 billion to UN • Founded Nuclear Threat Initiative • Lived with Lewy body dementia (2018-2026)
The Birth of CNN: "We Won't Sign Off Until the World Ends"
When Turner launched CNN on June 1, 1980, critics were skeptical. Who would watch news all day? How could a 24-hour network be profitable? Turner famously said the network would sign off only when the world ended. It never has.
CNN's first broadcast featured anchors Lois Hart and David Walker. The network was derided as the "Chicken Noodle Network" by competitors. But Turner persevered. By the 1991 Gulf War, CNN had become the world's primary source for breaking news – and the network that defined a new era of journalism.
In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine's Man of the Year for "influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history." It was a fitting tribute for a man who had given the world a front-row seat to history as it unfolded.
— Mark Thompson, CNN Worldwide CEO
Beyond News: The Philanthropist and the $1 Billion Promise
Turner was not just a media mogul – he was also one of the most significant philanthropists of his generation. In 1998, he founded the United Nations Foundation, pledging $1 billion to support UN causes – at the time, the largest single charitable donation ever made.
According to the foundation, "Ted's goals in establishing the foundation were to demonstrate the value of investing in the UN, encourage new partners to work with the UN and promote strong US leadership at the UN."
He also founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a non-profit advocacy organization that describes itself as "a global security organization working to reduce threats from nuclear, biological and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity." Even as he built a media empire, Turner was focused on the existential threats facing the world.
The Turner Empire: From Billboards to Broadcasting
Turner inherited his father's billboard business in the 1960s. But his ambitions extended far beyond outdoor advertising. He purchased the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks, and became a champion sailor, winning the America's Cup in 1977.
Turner Broadcasting System grew to include TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and – of course – CNN. In the 1990s, he sold his media empire to Time Warner Inc. in a deal that cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in media history.
Turner was also known for his colorful personality, his competitive drive, and his willingness to take risks. He once painted the exterior of his office building to annoy a rival. He was an outspoken environmentalist and nuclear disarmament advocate. He was, by any measure, a force of nature.
The Final Years: Lewy Body Dementia and Family
In 2018, Turner announced that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. He was briefly hospitalized in 2025 with a mild case of pneumonia. His health had been declining in recent years, but his spirit remained undimmed.
According to CNN, Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In a statement, the Turner family said: "Ted faced his final days with the same courage and determination that defined his life. He changed the world not once, but many times. We will miss him beyond words."
📊 TED TURNER: A LIFE IN NUMBERS
- Age at death: 87
- Year CNN launched: 1980 (45 years ago)
- Time Man of the Year: 1991
- UN Foundation donation: $1 billion (record at the time)
- Children: 5
- Grandchildren: 14
- Great-grandchildren: 2
- America's Cup win: 1977
The Turner Legacy: "The Giant on Whose Shoulders We Stand"
Turner's impact on journalism cannot be overstated. Before CNN, viewers had three choices for evening news. After CNN, they had a 24-hour cycle, breaking news alerts, and live coverage from anywhere in the world.
Every cable news network that followed – Fox News, MSNBC, BBC World News, Al Jazeera English – owes a debt to Turner's vision. Every time a viewer flips to a news channel at 3 AM, they are experiencing the world Turner created.
"Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand," Thompson said.
The world has lost one of its most influential media pioneers. But his legacy – the 24-hour news cycle, the billion-dollar commitment to philanthropy, the relentless drive to make a difference – will live on.
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