Ted Turner, the media mogul who changed global news by founding CNN, has died at 87.
Turner died at his home near Tallahassee, Florida, after living with Lewy body dementia for several years. He first spoke about his diagnosis in 2018.
His family said that complications from the disease were the main cause of his death.
Often called the “Mouth of the South,” Turner changed television in 1980 by launching CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel.
CNN changed journalism by bringing live coverage of wars, elections, and disasters to people around the world.
Turner also built a broadcasting empire that included Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, and the Atlanta Braves. His 1996 merger with Time Warner made his mark on media history.
Turner was known for his philanthropy and environmental work. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, making one of the largest charitable donations ever.
He supported causes like nuclear disarmament and climate change, and often spoke openly about global issues.
Lewy body dementia, the illness that led to his death, is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s.
It affects memory, movement, and behaviour and is thought to affect over 1.4 million Americans. It is found in people from across the world.
Former colleagues praised Turner’s vision and daring, while environmental groups remembered his devotion to conservation. “Ted Turner didn’t just change television,” one CNN anchor said on air. “He changed the way the world sees itself.”
Turner leaves behind his five children. The family will share funeral details soon.
