CNN founder Ted Turner passes away at 87

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a pioneering figure in global media who transformed 24-hour news broadcasting, has died at the age of 87, his company Turner Enterprises said.

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a pioneering figure in global media who reshaped modern television news, has died at the age of 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises.

CNN reported that Turner died peacefully on Wednesday, with family members at his side. His death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in the development of 24-hour news broadcasting.

Turner revolutionised the media industry by launching CNN, the world’s first continuous 24-hour news channel, fundamentally changing how audiences access and follow global events in real time.

Beyond his media empire, Turner was also widely recognised for his philanthropic work, including the creation of a United Nations foundation and long-standing advocacy for environmental protection and nuclear disarmament.

In 1991, Time magazine named him “Person of the Year,” highlighting his global impact on information flow and media accessibility.

CNN executives and journalists paid tribute following his death, with network leadership describing him as a bold and fearless leader whose vision defined the identity of the channel and reshaped the news industry worldwide.

Turner, who began his career in the 1960s managing his family’s advertising business before expanding into broadcasting, leaves behind a legacy that spans media, philanthropy, and global communication.

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