Ted Turner, CNN Founder and Billionaire Mogul, Dead at 87

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The media industry has lost a trailblazer. 

Ted Turner, who founded CNN, passed away on May 6th, according to Turner Enterprises. He was 87 years old.

Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, described Ted as a deeply dedicated and courageous leader who wasn’t afraid to take risks and trust his instincts. Thompson stated that Ted will always be remembered as the heart of CNN, a monumental figure whose influence shaped the network, the lives of those who worked there, and the world at large. CNN will be pausing to honor him and his legacy.

Turner is remembered by his five children: Laura Turner Seydel, Teddy Turner, Rhett Turner, Beau Turner, and Jennie Turner Garlington.

In 2018, actor Michael Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. This condition, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, involves the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which can cause problems with thinking, memory, and movement.

Turner explained to CBS News that he had a mild cognitive issue, somewhat similar to Alzheimer’s, but much less severe. He expressed relief that it wasn’t Alzheimer’s, which is a fatal disease.

After a moment of reflection, Turner – who has been married four times, to Jane Fonda, Jane Shirley Smith, and Julia Gale Nye, among others – shared that he has dementia, adding with a touch of irony, “I can’t remember what my disease is.”

He said he was feeling very tired and exhausted, and that forgetfulness was his main symptom.

In 1975, Ted Turner revolutionized television by creating the superstation. Using satellite technology, he expanded what would become TBS beyond its original local area, breaking barriers in broadcasting.

In 1980, five years after his initial venture, he launched CNN, the first 24-hour news channel. This dramatically changed television news, and he later sold the network to Time Warner in 1996.

In a 1994 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he explained his curiosity by saying he was like the bear in the children’s rhyme who went over the mountain to explore. He continued, saying that one discovery led to another, and he simply kept following where his curiosity led him.

Beyond his successful businesses, Ted Turner was dedicated to giving back. He founded the United Nations Foundation in 1998 and was a passionate advocate for nuclear disarmament and environmental conservation. He also became one of the largest landowners in America.

He and his former wife, Fonda, started the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP).

During the organization’s November gala, she explained that Ted was essential to its creation, saying it wouldn’t exist without him.

The Oscar-winning actor shared with the audience that it was a really difficult period in their life. They emphasized that they wouldn’t have gotten through it without the unwavering love and support of their partner, Ted.

She became emotional and continued, “Even though Ted isn’t with us, I feel him in my heart, and I know many of you do too.”

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2026-05-06 19:18