Ted Turner, Media Mogul and Philanthropist, Dies at 87

Key facts

• Ted Turner died at the age of 87.
• He founded CNN, pioneering the 24-hour news format.
• Turner donated $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation.
• He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in September 2018.
• Turner owned the Atlanta Braves when they won the World Series.
• He was Time Magazine's Man of the Year in 1991.
• He was once the largest single landowner in the U.S.

A Life of Bold Ventures and Lasting Impact

Ted Turner, the larger-than-life media titan whose audacious vision launched CNN and redefined television news, has died at 87. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure who not only conquered the broadcasting landscape but also left an indelible mark on sports and philanthropy. Turner's life was a tapestry of high-stakes gambles, many of which paid off spectacularly, weaving him into the fabric of late 20th-century American culture. From revolutionizing cable television to championing environmental causes, his influence was broad and profound. A release from Turner Enterprises confirmed his death, bringing to a close the remarkable journey of a man who consistently aimed for the extraordinary, a philosophy he attributed to his father's advice to set impossibly high goals.

Inventing the 24-Hour News Cycle

Turner's most enduring legacy is the creation of CNN in 1980, an innovation that fundamentally altered the dissemination of information. By launching the world's first 24-hour news channel, he shattered the traditional broadcast news model, making real-time global events accessible to a mass audience. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to other cable networks, including the Cartoon Network, and he even ventured into children's programming with "Captain Planet and the Planeteers," a show infused with his passion for environmentalism. Turner's impact on television was further solidified by his pioneering work in national basic cable and his innovative deals in sports broadcasting, which reshaped how fans consumed athletic events.

A Philanthropist of Unprecedented Scale

Beyond his media empire, Turner was a transformative figure in philanthropy. He challenged conventional wisdom by choosing to donate vast sums during his lifetime rather than reserving them for his will, a practice that set a new benchmark for individual giving. His most significant philanthropic act was the creation of the United Nations Foundation in 1997, to which he pledged a record $1 billion. This substantial donation, representing one-third of his wealth at the time, underscored his commitment to global issues and his belief in the potential of organizations like the UN. Turner's dedication to making the world a safer and healthier place was a driving force throughout his life. He tirelessly advocated for causes such as nuclear disarmament, climate change mitigation, and population control, often expressing a personal conviction that more could always be done.

Sports, Ambition, and Financial Swings

Turner's competitive spirit extended into the realm of sports. He achieved a significant victory by winning the America's Cup, a prestigious sailing race, and presided over the Atlanta Braves during their World Series championship. His business acumen, while often brilliant, also led to dramatic financial fluctuations. The sale of the Turner system to Time Warner initially brought him a substantial income boost. However, the subsequent merger with AOL in 2000 proved disastrous, leading to a sharp decline in stock value and the loss of 80% of his wealth within two years. Despite these setbacks, including his eventual ousting from the company, Turner remained undeterred, continuing his philanthropic endeavors and activism.

A Legacy Rooted in Land and Bison

In his later years, Turner channeled his entrepreneurial drive into sustainable ventures, notably launching Ted's Montana Grill in 2002. This chain of eco-friendly restaurants featured bison burgers, sourced from herds raised on his extensive landholdings. For years, Turner was recognized as the largest single landowner in the United States, accumulating vast tracts of land across multiple states. He spent a considerable portion of his post-Time Warner career on his sprawling 113,000-acre ranch near Bozeman, Montana. His life, marked by bold pronouncements and a relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, was encapsulated in his 2008 autobiography, "Call Me Ted." He famously quipped that his success formula was "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise."

The bottom line

• Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a transformative figure in media, has died at 87.
• He pioneered the 24-hour news format with the launch of CNN in 1980.
• Turner was a major philanthropist, donating $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation.
• He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018.
• His ventures included sports ownership, cable network creation, and eco-friendly restaurants.
• Turner was known for his ambitious goals and significant financial fluctuations throughout his career.