How Ted Turner revolutionized TV news and built an empire

Ted Turner, the media mogul who reshaped television news, was born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 19 November 1938. His bold ventures transformed cable TV, from launching the first 24-hour news channel to creating entertainment networks still watched today. Turner began his media career by reviving a struggling Atlanta UHF station in 1976. He turned it into WTCG, later renamed TBS, and expanded its reach as a 'superstation' broadcast nationwide via satellite.

In 1980, despite widespread scepticism, he launched Cable News Network (CNN) on 1 June. The channel became the first to offer round-the-clock news coverage. Its global prominence grew during the Gulf War (1990-91), when CNN’s live reporting set a new standard for international journalism. Beyond news, Turner founded several major networks. TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) all emerged under his leadership. His influence extended beyond media—he also captained the yacht *Courageous* to victory in the 1977 America’s Cup. Turner’s personal life drew attention too. He married and divorced three times, including a high-profile union with actor Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, he disclosed a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a condition affecting memory and motor skills.

Turner’s legacy includes pioneering 24-hour news and building networks that remain central to global entertainment. His innovations in broadcasting changed how audiences consume news and television. The impact of his work continues to shape media today.