Ted Turner, the pioneering media mogul who fundamentally reshaped the television landscape, has died at the age of 87. A statement from Turner Enterprises, as cited by CNN, confirmed the news, noting that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
While no specific cause of death was disclosed, Turner had been living with Lewy body dementia in his final years. His passing marks the end of an era for the man who founded CNN, the world's first 24-hour cable news network, forever altering how the public consumes information.
Beyond his contributions to news, Turner was a titan of the entertainment industry. His media empire, the Turner Broadcasting System, included a vast portfolio of iconic properties such as Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and TCM. These assets remain cornerstones of the modern Warner Bros. Discovery landscape.
"Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement," said CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson in a statement. "He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. 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."
Turner’s influence extended well beyond the boardroom. He was a prominent figure in professional sports as the longtime owner of the Atlanta Braves, transforming the team into a national powerhouse and securing a World Series championship in 1995. Additionally, he was a key player in the professional wrestling industry, having founded WCW, which served as a major competitor to the WWE for years.
The Atlanta Braves organization honored his legacy, stating, "Ted’s visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into 'America’s Team.' Under his stewardship, the ballclub experienced one of the greatest runs of sustained excellence in Major League Baseball history."
A dedicated philanthropist and environmentalist, Turner leaves behind a legacy of innovation and bold leadership that continues to influence global media today.