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Ted Turner, the visionary media mogul who launched CNN in 1980 as the first 24-hour cable news network, has passed away at the age of 87.
Turner’s groundbreaking work in cable television left an indelible mark on the industry. He pioneered the concept of superstations, enabling a single local station to broadcast nationwide via cable providers.
Beyond media, Turner was a dedicated philanthropist, founding the United Nations Foundation with a generous $1 billion donation. In 2012, he joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his fortune to charitable causes after his passing, alongside other notable billionaires like Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
Turner led CNN from its inception until 1996, when he sold the network to Time Warner for approximately $7.34 billion. Since then, CNN has changed hands, most recently being acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval for a merger with Paramount Skydance.
At the time of his death, Turner’s net worth was estimated at $2.8 billion, according to Forbes. His wealth stemmed not only from his media enterprises but also from his ownership of multiple Atlanta sports teams and vast real estate holdings. Turner was among the largest private landowners in the United States.
His real estate portfolio, known as Turner Ranches, spanned roughly 2 million acres across Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and South Dakota. These ranches focus on sustainable farming and ranching practices, supporting businesses centered on bison herding, hunting, fishing, and ecotourism. Turner’s commitment to environmental stewardship was a hallmark of his philanthropic efforts.
In the world of sports, Turner owned Atlanta’s Major League Baseball and NBA franchises-the Braves and the Hawks. He acquired the Braves in 1977 and famously took over as interim manager for a brief period in 1997 during a challenging losing streak, though his stint ended after just one game by order of the National League president.
Turner played a key role in elevating the Braves’ profile through his television networks, with the team capturing the 1995 World Series title under his ownership. The Braves were transferred to Time Warner in 1996 and later sold to Liberty Media in 2007 for $450 million.
Turner sold the Hawks earlier, in 1982.
Ted Turner’s legacy as a pioneer of cable news, a committed philanthropist, and an influential figure in sports and environmental conservation endures. His contributions reshaped media and left a lasting impact across multiple fields.