Media pioneer Ted Turner, the visionary behind the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87, CNN has confirmed.
Turner revolutionised global journalism when he launched Cable News Network in 1980, introducing continuous, around-the-clock news coverage that reshaped how audiences consume information.
In a tribute, CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as a bold and fearless leader whose instincts and commitment helped define the network’s success.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Thompson said, adding that Turner’s legacy remains deeply embedded in the organisation.
Although CNN faced early challenges, it quickly proved its value by delivering rapid, live coverage of major global events, including the 1981 assassination attempt on US President Ronald Reagan and the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster.
The network solidified its global influence with extensive reporting during the 1990–1991 Gulf War, marking a turning point in real-time war coverage.
Beyond CNN, Turner built a vast media empire. He began his career by taking over his family’s billboard business before expanding into broadcasting with the acquisition of a radio station in Atlanta. That venture eventually grew into the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), cementing his status as one of America’s most influential media figures.
Turner’s innovations not only transformed television news but also set the standard for modern global media, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape journalism worldwide.
