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Ted Turner, the billionaire media mogul who founded CNN, has died at the age of 87. His death on May 6 was confirmed by Turner Enterprises.
Turner was widely regarded as a pioneer who changed how people consume news. In 1980, he launched CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network in the United States. At the time, the idea was unconventional, but Turner believed audiences needed constant access to information.
He once declared that CNN "won't be signing off until the world ends," a reflection of his ambition for around-the-clock news coverage.
Before CNN, Turner had already disrupted broadcasting by creating the "superstation" in 1975, using satellite technology to expand his Atlanta-based channel nationwide.
This innovation laid the foundation for the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and later ventures such as TNT and Cartoon Network. His approach transformed television and paved the way for modern cable networks.
CNN chairman and CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as "an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment," adding that he "was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN."
Beyond business, Turner devoted much of his later life to philanthropy and activism. He donated $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation and co-founded initiatives aimed at reducing nuclear threats and protecting endangered species. Reflecting on this shift, he said he would spend "most of my time to trying to save the world."
Turner also spoke publicly about his health. In 2018, he revealed he had Lewy body dementia, saying, "It's a mild case of what people have as Alzheimer's... But not nearly as bad."
He added that his main symptoms were "tired, exhausted" feelings and forgetfulness.
He is survived by his five children. Turner was also married three times, including to actress Jane Fonda, who once said she would "never love anyone like I love him."