CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87:Suffered from Lewy Body Dementia since 2018; Trump expresses grief, labels him as ‘one of Greats of All Time’

Media entrepreneur Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a pioneer of the 24-hour television news model, has died at the age of 87, Turner Enterprises said in a statement. In September 2018, Turner revealed that he had Lewy body dementia, a degenerative nerve disease. Turner’s launch of CNN transformed global journalism by introducing continuous, live news coverage, fundamentally changing how audiences consumed information. What began as a risky idea went on to become a defining feature of modern broadcasting. Media empire and influence
Known for his outspoken personality, Turner built a vast media empire beyond news. His ventures included cable’s first superstation and entertainment channels focused on films and cartoons. He also owned major sports franchises, including the Atlanta Braves. In 1991, Time magazine named him “Man of the Year,” recognising his influence in shaping global media and enabling audiences worldwide to witness events in real time.
Turner later sold his media holdings to Time Warner and stepped back from day-to-day operations, though he continued to describe CNN as the “greatest achievement” of his career. CNN Worldwide Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson paid tribute, calling Turner an “intrepid” and “fearless” leader whose legacy continues to guide the organisation. Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond media, Turner was deeply involved in philanthropy and advocacy. He founded the United Nations Foundation, campaigned for nuclear disarmament, and was a prominent conservationist. He also promoted environmental awareness through initiatives such as the animated series Captain Planet. Family members In early 2025, he was hospitalised with a mild case of pneumonia and later recovered. He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.