Media pioneer Ted Turner, who changed television forever with CNN, dies at 87

May 6, 2026, 10:52 AM

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Media pioneer Ted Turner, who changed television forever with CNN, dies at 87

Ted Turner, the media mogul behind CNN, which revolutionized TV news as the first 24-hour cable network, passed away on Wednesday at 87, according to a release from Turner Enterprises reported by CNN.

His life work included founding Turner Broadcasting System, which housed cable channels TNT, TBS and Cartoon Network, as well as Turner Classic Movies.

Turner was also a philanthropist, founding the United Nations Foundation; a bison rancher and conservationist; a yacht collector; and a political activist.

Jane Fonda arrives on September 30, 1992 with husband Ted Turner at the first Annual Environmental Awards.AFP via Getty Images

Sarah Anderson

Politics & Government Editor