Ted Turner, founder of CNN and a leading figure in American media, has died at the age of 87. The businessman leaves behind the legacy of a pioneer who transformed television by establishing 24-hour news coverage.
CNN, his stroke of genius
In 1980, Ted Turner launched CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel. At the time, the gamble seemed audacious: dedicating an entire channel to news, day and night. But this idea would revolutionize the way the world follows major events, from international crises to elections, including wars and disasters.
An empire built against the grain
Before CNN, Turner had already revolutionized television with WTBS, which became one of the first American "superstations" thanks to satellite broadcasting. His group then established itself with several major channels, including TBS, TNT, and Cartoon Network. His vision was simple: to see before others what cable television could become.
A man of challenges
Nicknamed the “Mouth of the South” for his outspokenness, Ted Turner was known for his explosive temper, his taste for risk, and his sharp pronouncements. He was also a sailor, owner of sports teams, notably the Atlanta Braves, and a very American-style public figure, characterized by boundless ambition and flamboyant gestures.
The billionaire turned philanthropist
Beyond his media presence, Turner also made his mark on the world through his philanthropic work. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to UN-related causes, an initiative that led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. He also co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative, dedicated to combating nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
An end of life marked by illness
Ted Turner revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, he had become more discreet, away from the media attention that had accompanied his rise to fame.
