Ted Turner, the bold sportsman and entrepreneur known for creating the media giant CNN, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by CNN citing a statement from Turner Enterprises. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. In 2018, Turner disclosed his battle with Lewy body dementia, a progressive nerve disorder.
Born as Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati on November 19, 1938, he relocated to the South at the age of nine, excelling in military schools as a debater and yachtsman. Through his strategic investments, Turner transformed his father’s billboard business into a billion-dollar empire, acquiring a television station in 1970, which eventually expanded to include Turner Classic Movies, TNT, and the TBS SuperStation.
Renowned for his impactful presence in the U.S. media and entertainment industry, Turner revolutionized news, sports, and entertainment broadcasting through his networks. His marriage to actress Jane Fonda, which lasted a decade until 2001, was one of the well-known aspects of his personal life.
Fonda, in a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, reminisced about Turner’s influence on her life, describing him as a romantic and inspiring figure who challenged her to think and act on significant issues. Turner’s most notable achievement was the establishment of CNN in 1980, a groundbreaking 24-hour news network that reshaped media coverage by providing real-time information to viewers worldwide.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Turner’s legacy extended beyond CNN to include ownership of sports teams and vast land holdings. His philanthropic contributions, including a historic $1 billion donation to the United Nations, showcased his commitment to global causes and environmental conservation.
Turner’s impact on the media landscape, sports industry, and philanthropy will be remembered as a testament to his visionary spirit and enduring legacy.