Media Mogul and CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the visionary businessman who revolutionized cable television by launching CNN and TNT, has died at 87. Turner Enterprises confirmed his passing, stating he died surrounded by loved ones.

Turner’s media empire began with his father’s billboard company, which he took over in 1963. By 1970, he had acquired an Atlanta UHF station, laying the groundwork for what would become Turner Broadcasting.

A pivotal moment came in 1976 when Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves and launched his Atlanta station, later known as TBS, nationwide via satellite. This move made the Braves “America’s Team” as their games became accessible across the country, a significant innovation in sports broadcasting.

Beyond baseball, Turner also acquired a majority stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, ensuring the franchise remained in the city. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to founding the Goodwill Games, acquiring and rebranding a professional wrestling organization into World Championship Wrestling, and achieving victory in the 1977 America’s Cup as a yachtsman.

In 1996, Turner sold his media holdings, including the Braves, to Time Warner for $7.5 billion. In his final years, he focused on philanthropy, notably pledging $1 billion to the United Nations.

Turner disclosed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia in 2018. He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was previously married to actress Jane Fonda.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)