The broadcasting visionary who pioneered modern rolling news through the creation of CNN has died at the age of 87. The network confirmed the passing of Ted Turner, a man widely regarded as a revolutionary force in global media who fundamentally changed how humanity consumes information.
Birth of a 24-hour news empire
When Ted Turner launched the Cable News Network in 1980, the concept of a round-the-clock news channel was met with widespread scepticism. Critics dismissively dubbed the upstart broadcaster the «Chicken Noodle Network» while doubting its long-term viability. However, the channel cemented its reputation by providing rapid and continuous coverage of major global events. Its defining early moments included reporting on:
- The 1981 assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Reagan
- The 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster
- The 1990-1991 Gulf War
During the Gulf conflict, the network’s live broadcasts became so essential that former President George Bush famously admitted he gleaned more intelligence from CNN than from the CIA. This unprecedented success eventually prompted the creation of rival networks such as Fox News, which was launched by Turner’s long-standing competitor Rupert Murdoch in 1996.
Tributes from across the divide
Figures from across the political and media spectrum have shared their memories of the bold entrepreneur.
- Mark Thompson: The current CNN chief executive described Ted Turner as a «giant» and the enduring «presiding spirit» of the network. He fondly recalled Turner’s hands-on approach and his eccentric habit of wandering the Atlanta newsroom in a bathrobe to debate current affairs.
- Donald Trump: Despite his frequent criticism of modern-day CNN, the U.S. President praised Turner as a broadcast great and a personal friend who was always ready to champion a worthy cause.
- Christiane Amanpour: The veteran correspondent called his work an «unstoppable media revolution» for the benefit of humankind, labelling her time working under his vision as her proudest achievement.
- Walter Isaacson: The former CNN boss commended Turner’s unyielding journalistic bravery in the face of immense corporate and political pressure.
- Mary Alice Williams: A founding team member, Williams remembered her former boss as a «go-for-broke» visionary who hoped continuous news coverage could unite the world and foster global peace.
A swashbuckling life beyond the newsroom
Turner’s sprawling career began in tragic circumstances when he took over his family’s billboard enterprise following his father’s suicide. He subsequently purchased a Georgia radio station that evolved into the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). Known for his brash demeanour, he earned colourful monikers like «Captain Outrageous» and the «Mouth of the South».
His media empire expanded to include TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. He also made aggressive moves in Hollywood by acquiring New Line Cinema and Castle Rock Entertainment before a fateful merger with Time Warner diminished his personal fortune and corporate influence.
Outside the boardroom, Turner lived a remarkably varied life characterised by diverse interests and bold actions:
- Sporting triumphs: He won the prestigious America’s Cup yacht race in 1977. He also famously challenged Rupert Murdoch to a fistfight after their yachts collided during a 1983 Australian regatta. Ashore, he built a sports empire by purchasing the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers.
- Philanthropy: A dedicated environmentalist and clean energy investor, Turner donated $1 bn to the United Nations and established the Goodwill Games in Moscow to bridge political divides through sport.
- Personal life: Ted Turner was married to the actress Jane Fonda between 1991 and 2001. In 2018, the media mogul disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
