Ted Turner, the legendary media entrepreneur who founded CNN and transformed television journalism forever, has died at the age of 87.
Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, surrounded by family members, according to reports released Thursday afternoon.
Known worldwide for launching CNN — the first 24-hour television news network — Turner changed how millions of people consumed breaking news and global events.
Ted Turner Changed Television News Forever
Before CNN launched in 1980, television news was limited to scheduled broadcasts that aired only a few times per day. Turner’s vision of nonstop live news was initially mocked by critics and competitors.
Despite skepticism, CNN quickly became one of the most influential news organizations in the world, covering major global events live as they unfolded.
Ahead of CNN’s launch on June 1, 1980, Turner famously declared:
“We won’t be signing off until the world ends. We’ll cover it live, and that will be our last event.”
The quote later became one of the most iconic statements in television history.
Health Struggles and Final Years
Just before his 80th birthday, Turner publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive neurological disease that affects memory, movement, and cognitive functions.
In recent years, he stayed largely out of the public spotlight while continuing to support philanthropic and environmental causes.
More Than Just CNN
Beyond building CNN into a global media powerhouse, Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team and played a major role in environmental activism and international diplomacy.
He founded the United Nations Foundation and donated large portions of his fortune to humanitarian causes, including nuclear disarmament and environmental protection efforts.
CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as:
“An intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid and fearless.”
Tributes from journalists, politicians, and media figures around the world continue pouring in following news of his death.
Ted Turner leaves behind a legacy that permanently changed global journalism and modern television news.