Ted Turner, the pioneering media entrepreneur who founded CNN and transformed global television news, has died at the age of 87.

Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises.

Widely regarded as a visionary, Turner revolutionised broadcasting with the launch of CNN on June 1, 1980—the world’s first 24-hour cable news network. His bold idea of delivering news in real time around the clock reshaped how audiences consume information globally.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Turner built a vast media empire that included cable television’s first superstation, as well as major entertainment channels such as TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. He also owned professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

Beyond broadcasting, Turner was known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the United Nations Foundation and championed causes such as nuclear disarmament and environmental conservation. He also played a key role in wildlife preservation, helping reintroduce bison to parts of the American West.

In recognition of his global impact, Turner was named Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1991. Though he later sold his media holdings to Time Warner, he remained closely associated with CNN, often describing it as his greatest achievement.

Turner revealed in 2018 that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition. Despite health challenges in later years, including a bout of pneumonia in 2025, he remained a towering figure in media and philanthropy.

He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.