Pioneering CNN founder Ted Turner dead at 87

Ted Turner, the media mogul who invented the concept of a 24-hour news channel when he launched CNN in 1980, has died aged 87.

The news was announced by Turner Enterprises and CNN on Wednesday morning, US time.

Turner, who was born in Ohio, also owned and founded a number of other prominent US and global television channels including Cartoon Network and TBS.

He was known for his environmentalism, philanthropy and support for the United Nations.

An outspoken and bold personality, he was known variously as the "Mouth of the South", "Captain Outrageous", and "Terrible Ted".

Reacting to his death, US President Donald Trump described Turner as "one of the greats of all time" and as "a friend of mine".

"Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!" he said.

CNN chief executive Mark Thompson called Turner a "giant on whose shoulders we stand".

In a statement, Turner's family remembered his "no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humour, and undying loyalty to those around him".

"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!'"

Source: abc.news https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-07/ted-turner-dead-at-87-cnn-founder/106650882