Ted Turner, the media titan who founded CNN and oversaw its rise into a global news powerhouse, died Wednesday at the age of 87. His death marks the end of an era for a figure who fundamentally altered how Americans consume political news.
Turner began his media career in the 1970s as an account executive at Turner Advertising Company. In June 1980, he launched CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, betting that audiences wanted round-the-clock coverage of politics, policy, and world events. The gamble paid off, turning CNN into a dominant force in journalism and a must-watch during crises.
Known as "the Mouth of the South," Turner was never shy about his political views. He built a sprawling empire over five decades that included the Atlanta Braves and World Championship Wrestling, though it was CNN that cemented his legacy. In 1996, he sold the network to Time Warner, but its DNA remains his.
Turner also dedicated much of his fortune to philanthropy, focusing on nuclear nonproliferation, conservation, and healthcare. He was a vocal advocate for progressive causes, endorsing Hillary Clinton in 2016 and once mulling a presidential run himself—until his then-wife, actress Jane Fonda, threatened to leave him if he did.
President Donald Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, calling Turner "one of the Greats of All Time." Trump, a frequent critic of CNN's current direction, lamented that the network's new ownership had "destroyed" Turner's creation. "It became woke, and everything that he is not all about," Trump wrote, adding that he hoped the next owners could restore its credibility. He also praised Turner as "always willing to fight for a good cause."
CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson eulogized Turner as "intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch." In a statement, Thompson said: "He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand."
Turner's later years were marked by Lewy Body Dementia, a degenerative brain condition. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated his net worth at $2.8 billion. His influence extended beyond media; he was a key figure in reshaping political discourse, much like the DNC's recent electoral wins have defied media narratives. His legacy also intersects with ongoing debates about how media can be weaponized in the digital age.
Turner's death closes a chapter in media history, but his impact on political journalism—and the broader culture—will endure for generations.
