CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87 | DISCUSS

The world of media and philanthropy is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Ted Turner, the brash and visionary founder of CNN, has died at the age of 87.

CNN and Turner Enterprises confirmed that Turner passed away peacefully today, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. His death marks the conclusion of a storied life that fundamentally reshaped how the world consumes news and information.

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The Man Who Invented 24-Hour News

Before Ted Turner, news was a scheduled event—something you watched for 30 minutes at 6:00 p.m.

The CNN Revolution: In 1980, Turner launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the world's first 24-hour all-news television channel. Critics initially mocked it as the "Chicken Noodle Network," but Turner’s gamble paid off during the 1991 Gulf War, when CNN's live coverage from Baghdad changed journalism forever.

Building a Media Empire: Beyond CNN, Turner founded TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network, and co-created the environmental superhero Captain Planet.

The "Mouth of the South": Known for his outspoken personality and competitive spirit, he was also a legendary sportsman, famously winning the America’s Cup in 1977 and owning the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and Atlanta Hawks (NBA).

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A Legacy of Giving and Conservation

In his later years, Turner shifted his focus from the boardroom to the planet.

The $1 Billion Gift: In 1997, Turner famously pledged $1 billion to support United Nations causes, leading to the creation of the United Nations Foundation.

Protecting the West: At one point, Turner was the largest private landowner in the United States. He used his vast holdings to promote bison conservation and environmental sustainability.

Nuclear Threat Initiative: Worried about the future of humanity, he co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction.

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Tributes Pour In

As news of his passing spread, leaders from across the globe have begun paying tribute to "Captain Outrageous."

The UN Foundation: In a statement released shortly after the news broke, the foundation praised him as a "once-in-a-generation leader" who taught the world that "no problem is too big if you have the courage to face it."

Media Titans: Competitors and colleagues alike have noted that every modern news organization—from Fox News to MSNBC—owes its existence to the path Turner blazed in the 1980s.