Ted Turner, CNN Founder and Media Visionary, Dies at 87

Key facts

• Ted Turner, founder of CNN, has died at the age of 87.
• Turner launched CNN in 1980 as the first 24-hour news channel.
• He also founded TNT and TBS, and owned WCW.
• US President Donald Trump called Turner "one of the greats of broadcast history."
• Current CNN CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as "the presiding spirit of CNN."
• AEW President Tony Khan announced "AEW Dynamite" and "AEW Collision" would be dedicated to Turner.
• Turner's ownership of WCW led to the "Monday Night Wars" in professional wrestling.

A Pioneer of the 24-Hour News Cycle

Media mogul Ted Turner, the visionary behind the modern 24-hour news culture, has died at the age of 87. His passing was announced by the Cable News Network, the groundbreaking enterprise he launched in 1980. Turner's creation of CNN as the first dedicated rolling news channel fundamentally reshaped the media landscape, transforming how the world consumed information. The network, initially met with skepticism and derisively dubbed the "Chicken Noodle Network," proved its mettle through continuous, rapid coverage of pivotal events. Early successes included the assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. CNN's global reach was cemented with its live, on-the-ground reporting from Iraq during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, an era when President George H.W. Bush famously stated he learned more from the network than from the CIA. Turner's impact extended beyond news. He was also the founder of TNT and TBS, and was the former owner of World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a significant player in the professional wrestling industry. His death marks the end of an era for multiple facets of broadcast entertainment and information.

Tributes from Across the Spectrum

Leaders and colleagues have offered heartfelt tributes to Turner's legacy. U.S. President Donald Trump, who had been a vocal critic of the current CNN, acknowledged Turner's stature, calling him "one of the greats of broadcast history, and a friend of mine." Trump added that Turner was "always willing to fight for a good cause!" Mark Thompson, the current CNN CEO and chairman, recognized Turner as "the giant on whose shoulders we stand." He characterized Turner as "an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement." Thompson concluded that Turner "was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN." Mary Alice Williams, a founding team member of CNN, described Turner to the BBC as "a wild man" and "a go-for-broke idea guy." She credited him with fostering a network that could "connect the whole world" and foster understanding, stating, "CNN was founded on that belief, and we all bought into it."

A Legacy in Professional Wrestling

The world of professional wrestling is also mourning Turner's death. Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), announced that Wednesday's programming block, featuring "AEW Dynamite" and "AEW Collision," would be dedicated to the late media mogul. Khan, who has frequently expressed admiration for WCW, stated on his X livestream that it was a "very sad day in the world of TV and professional wrestling." "The man who gave us this platform, the man who created TBS and TNT and so many great television channels and so many great concepts in the field of television, the late, great Mr. Ted Turner," Khan said. He confirmed that the shows would begin with "heartfelt thoughts" from commentator Tony Schiavone and a "10-bell salute." Turner's ownership of WCW was instrumental in the "Monday Night Wars," a fierce competition with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) that captivated audiences in the late 1990s. It was Turner who approved Eric Bischoff's 1995 proposal to bring "WCW Monday Nitro" to television, directly challenging the WWF's dominance and reshaping the wrestling landscape.

Key Moments and Enduring Impact

Turner's career was marked by bold decisions and an unwavering belief in his vision. The launch of CNN in 1980 was a gamble that paid off handsomely, establishing a new paradigm for news delivery. The network's ability to provide immediate, around-the-clock coverage proved invaluable during crises and major global events. Beyond news, Turner's ventures in sports and entertainment, particularly through TNT and TBS, further cemented his influence. His ownership of WCW created a powerful rival in professional wrestling, injecting new energy and competition into the industry. This era, characterized by the "Monday Night Wars," saw significant innovation and audience growth. Turner passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old. His death signifies the loss of a transformative figure whose innovations continue to shape media and entertainment today.

The bottom line

• Ted Turner, a pivotal figure in media, has died at 87.
• He revolutionized television news by founding CNN, the first 24-hour news channel.
• Turner's influence extended to sports and entertainment through TNT, TBS, and WCW.
• His ventures, particularly CNN and WCW, significantly impacted global news consumption and professional wrestling.
• Industry leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and CNN CEO Mark Thompson, have paid tribute to his pioneering spirit.
• AEW President Tony Khan announced special tributes on "AEW Dynamite" and "AEW Collision" to honor Turner's legacy in wrestling.