Ted Turner, CNN Founder, Dies at 87; Murdoch Calls Him a Great American and Friend
Ted Turner, CNN Founder, Dies at 87; Murdoch Calls Him a Great American and Friend
Tributes pour in for Ted Turner, CNN founder who reshaped media with 24-hour cable news, as Murdoch and peers honor his vision.
Ted Turner, the media titan who sparked a revolution in cable television with the launch of CNN, has died at age 87. Turner built a sprawling media and entertainment empire that included the 24-hour news channel CNN and networks such as TBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network, along with ownership of the Atlanta Braves. His influence extended from news to sports and entertainment, reshaping how audiences consumed information around the clock.
In a statement following the news of his death, Rupert Murdoch lauded Turner as 'a Great American and Friend,' noting his vision to launch CNN changed the world of television news. The long-time rivals in the business world had once competed fiercely, but their relationship reportedly evolved into mutual respect as Turner’s impact became undeniable.
Turner’s passing drew tributes from other leaders in the media industry. The coverage highlighted that he will be remembered for generations, with figures like David Zaslav among those reflecting on his role as a pioneer who reshaped how news and entertainment traveled across screens. The outpouring underscores Turner’s lasting imprint on cable television and the way audiences experience information today.
Beyond CNN, Turner’s empire helped launch a new era in cable television and influenced programming for 24-hour audiences. His legacy, reflected in the nostalgia and respect from peers, marks the end of an era for a man who believed television could connect the world.
