Ted Turner, TV Mogul and CNN Founder, Passes Away at 87

Ted Turner, the legendary TV mogul and founder of CNN, has passed away at the age of 87. He left a lasting impact on the world of cable TV by creating popular channels like CNN, TBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network. Turner, also known as “The Mouth of the South,” was a prolific businessman and philanthropist. Despite battling Lewy body dementia, he continued to make his mark on the media landscape.

Turner’s journey into television began in the early 1960s when he took over his father’s billboard advertising business and transformed it into a successful enterprise. In 1970, he purchased a struggling television station in Atlanta, which he later turned into the first “superstation” by connecting it to a satellite and reaching a national audience. This innovative move set the stage for the launch of CNN in 1980, revolutionizing the way news was delivered to viewers.

Beyond his accomplishments in television, Turner was also a sports enthusiast, winning the America’s Cup and owning the Atlanta Braves during their World Series victory. He was married and divorced three times, leaving behind five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Ted Turner’s legacy as a trailblazer in the media industry and a visionary entrepreneur will continue to inspire generations to come.