Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and one of the most influential figures in modern television, has died at the age of 87.
The death of the US media entrepreneur was confirmed by CNN and Turner Enterprises.
Turner launched Cable News Network in 1980, creating the world’s first 24-hour television news channel and fundamentally reshaping global broadcast journalism.
CNN achieved worldwide prominence through its live coverage of major international events including the fall of the Soviet Union, the Tiananmen Square protests and the Gulf War, when the network maintained reporters in Baghdad during US bombing raids.
Turner later expanded his media empire to include TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, helping establish cable television as a mainstream entertainment platform.
Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, said: “Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand. He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.”
Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner entered broadcasting after taking over his family advertising business following the death of his father.
He built his early television business around Atlanta station WTBS, pioneering the “superstation” model that distributed local television nationally by satellite.
Turner Broadcasting later merged with Time Warner in one of the defining media deals of the 1990s.
Beyond television, Turner was known for his involvement in sport, environmental causes and philanthropy. He also became one of the largest private landowners in the United States.
Turner had previously disclosed that he was living with Lewy body dementia.
