CNN founder Ted Turner dies aged 87 after battle with dementia
News Updated: 07 May 2026 00:00 EAT
Photo courtesy
Ted Turner, the pioneering media entrepreneur who founded CNN media company and transformed global television news, has died at the age of 87, the network confirmed.
Turner, who revolutionised broadcasting with the launch of the world’s first 24-hour news channel in 1980, died after a prolonged battle with Lewy body dementia, a condition he publicly disclosed several years ago.
His death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in modern media, whose bold vision reshaped how news is produced, distributed and consumed across the world.
When Turner launched CNN, the concept of continuous, round-the-clock news coverage was widely viewed as a risky experiment in an industry dominated by scheduled bulletins.
However, the network quickly proved its value, particularly during major global events, where live coverage brought real-time reporting into millions of homes and redefined audience expectations.
CNN’s model went on to inspire a new generation of news networks, fundamentally changing the pace and nature of journalism and establishing 24-hour news as a global standard.
Beyond CNN, Turner built a vast media empire that included major cable channels such as TBS and TNT, as well as the Cartoon Network, expanding his influence beyond news into entertainment.
He was also a prominent sports figure, having owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team, further cementing his legacy in both broadcasting and sports industries.
In later years, Turner turned his attention to philanthropy, making significant contributions to environmental conservation and global causes, including major support for United Nations initiatives.
Tributes have poured in from across the world, with media leaders and public figures hailing Turner as a visionary whose impact continues to shape global journalism long after his death.
Tags: Cnn Hero Of The Year News Article Signs Media Kenya Limited Article CNN media company Deaths News Anchor Rest In Peace Signs Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Ted Turner
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD