From 24-Hour News to Cartoon Network: Media giant Ted Turner passes away

WASHINGTON: Ted Turner, the visionary billionaire and media titan who revolutionised global journalism by creating the 24-hour news cycle, has passed away at the age of 87. Turner died on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at his residence in Florida following a period of age-related health issues.

Legacy of innovation

In 1980, Turner founded CNN (Cable News Network), the world’s first 24-hour news channel, forever changing how information is consumed globally. His sprawling media empire also included:

• TNT (Television Network)
• Cartoon Network
• Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Philanthropy and personal life

Beyond broadcasting, Turner was a renowned philanthropist. In 1997, he made headlines by pledging $1 billion to United Nations causes, which led to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. He was also a passionate environmentalist and once the largest private landowner in the United States, dedicated to bison conservation.

Turner was married three times, most notably to Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda. Though he eventually separated from all three spouses, he remained a prominent public figure until his later years, when he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. He is survived by his five children.