Breaking: CNN founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the brash and visionary media mogul who revolutionized global journalism by launching the world’s first 24-hour cable news network, CNN, has died at the age of 87.

Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at his home near Tallahassee, Florida, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. No cause of death was given, but Turner had publicly revealed in September 2018 that he was battling Lewy body dementia, a degenerative nerve disease.

In a statement released by the network he founded, CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson paid tribute to Turner’s outsized influence. “Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment,” Thompson said. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and our world.”

Turner Enterprises also shared a message from the family, noting Turner’s approachable nature despite his towering success. “He charmed people he met with his warmth and general lack of conceit, despite his many successes and celebrity – an attribute made apparent in his response to anyone who addressed him as ‘Mr. Turner’ – he’d always reply, ‘Call me Ted!’”

The cable television pioneer’s career began with a modest billboard company he inherited from his father. He transformed a struggling Atlanta television station into a national “superstation,” TBS, before taking his biggest gamble in 1980 with the launch of CNN. The move, widely dismissed at the time, ultimately redefined how the world consumes news, setting a template for live, round-the-clock coverage of wars, natural disasters, and historic events.

His media empire expanded to include TNT, the Cartoon Network, and a brief ownership of MGM. Outside of news and entertainment, Turner was equally known for his love of sports. He owned the Atlanta Braves, leading the team to a World Series championship in 1995, and also owned the Atlanta Hawks. In a statement, the Braves organization said, “Our good friend and former owner, Ted Turner, was one of a kind — a brilliant businessman, consummate showman and passionate fan of his beloved Braves. Ted’s visionary leadership and innovative approach to broadcast television transformed the Braves into ‘America’s Team.’ … We will miss you, Ted. You helped make us who we are today.”

Even rivals acknowledged his impact. Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer broke the news to his audience by calling Turner “a television and American legend” and “an American trailblazer.” Co-host Dana Perino added, “An American pioneer and legend.”

Later in life, Turner focused heavily on philanthropy, most notably donating $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation, one of the largest charitable gifts ever made by a living donor. He was married three times, most famously to actress and activist Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. He is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A private family service is planned, with a public memorial to be held at a later date.