By Wellington Jopelo
Ted Turner, the American media mogul who revolutionised television news, has died at the age of 87, bringing an end to a career that reshaped global broadcasting.
His death was confirmed by his company, Turner Enterprises, though no immediate cause was disclosed.
Turner is widely credited with launching CNN in 1980, the world’s first 24-hour news channel, a move that permanently changed how news is delivered and consumed worldwide.
From modest beginnings in his father’s billboard business, he built a vast media empire, expanding into television networks, film assets, and sports franchises.
He also played a key role in the rise of cable television, pioneering the concept of a “superstation” and later merging his company with Time Warner in a landmark media deal.
Beyond business, Turner was known for his bold personality and unconventional style, earning nicknames like “Captain Outrageous” while pushing boundaries in media and entrepreneurship.
He was also a major philanthropist, donating $1 billion to support United Nations initiatives and launching global advocacy efforts on issues like nuclear disarmament.
In later years, Turner revealed he was battling Lewy body dementia, a degenerative condition he publicly disclosed in 2018.
Tributes have poured in from across the media industry, with CNN leadership describing him as a visionary whose influence continues to shape journalism worldwide.
Turner is survived by his children and extended family, leaving behind a legacy that transformed news into a real-time global experience.
His impact remains deeply embedded in modern media, with CNN and other ventures standing as lasting symbols of his ambition and innovation.