Inside the life and times of CNN founder Ted Turner

Ted Turner, who transformed television news with the creation of CNN in 1980, has died at the age of 87, the network said Wednesday.

Turner was also a noted philanthropist.

Lewy body dementia

Ted Turner, the billionaire founder CNN, suffered from Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. Lewy body dementia affects an estimated 1.4 million Americans and symptoms can include problems with memory and changes in behavior, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Billboard to broadcasting

The Superstation (TBS)

In 1970, he bought a struggling Atlanta UHF station, turning it into a "superstation" (WTCG, later TBS) by using satellite technology to beam content nationwide in 1976.

CNN Launch (1980)

On June 1, 1980, he launched Cable News Network (CNN), transforming news into a 24-hour service. He went on to become vice chairman of media conglomerate Time Warner but quit in 2003 and is no longer involved in running the company. CNN upended established broadcasting with its dedication to around-the-clock breaking news and shot to global recognition with its coverage of the Gulf War in 1990-91.

Expansion

Ted Turner created TNT, Cartoon Network (using the Hanna-Barbera library), and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

Founded CNN in 1980

Dementia

In 2018, Turner admitted that he was suffering from a form of dementia that leaves him exhausted and forgetful. Turner told CBS television in an interview at that that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. "It's a mild case of what people have as Alzheimer's. It's similar to that. But not nearly as bad. Alzheimer's is fatal," Turner told journalist Ted Koppel in an interview to be broadcast on "CBS Sunday Morning." Turner's office confirmed the diagnosis to Reuters.

Sports and sailing

Atlanta Braves: He bought the baseball team in 1976 and famously steered them to national popularity through his superstation, culminating in the 1995 World Series title.

Sailor

A keen sailor, he captained the yacht Courageous to win the prestigious America's Cup in 1977. Ted Turner, center, is carried off by his crew following a news conference after his vessel Courageous won the Americas Cup sailing race, Sept. 19, 1977, in Newport, R.I. At right is Bill Ficker, skipper of cup winner Intrepid in 1970.

Relationships

He was married and divorced three times, most famously to actor Jane Fonda (1991–2001). US actress Jane Fonda (right) arrives on September 30, 1992 with husband Ted Turner at the first Annual Environmental Awards in Hollywood.

• Land Ownership: He was for a time the largest private landowner in the US, using his vast acreage for conservation, particularly for bison restoration.

• United Nations Support: In 1997, he pledged a historic $1 billion to UN charities.

• Ted's Montana Grill: He co-founded this restaurant chain in 2002 to promote the consumption of bison meat.

• Health: In 2018, he revealed he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

• Death: Turner passed away on May 6, 2026, at age 87.