Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a major figure in global media, has died aged 87.
Turner is widely credited with transforming the television news industry by introducing the concept of 24-hour news coverage, a model that has since been adopted worldwide.
CNN rose to global prominence during the Gulf War, when it provided live, continuous coverage of the conflict between 1990 and 1991. The network’s real-time reporting from Baghdad marked a turning point in how wars were covered, bringing unfolding events directly into people’s homes.
That moment helped establish CNN as a dominant international news source and set a new standard for live broadcasting.
Turner launched CNN in 1980, at a time when round-the-clock news was seen as a risky and untested idea. Despite early skepticism, the network grew rapidly, driven by major global events and its ability to report them as they happened.
Beyond CNN, Turner built a broader media empire that included entertainment and sports broadcasting, and later became known for his involvement in environmental and philanthropic causes.
His approach to media challenged traditional news cycles and forced competitors to adapt, reshaping how audiences consume information.
Turner’s death marks the passing of one of the most influential figures in modern journalism, whose impact continues to be felt across television and digital news platforms worldwide.
