Ted Turner, CNN founder and media titan, dies at 87 after battle with dementia

Ted Turner, the media mogul who launched CNN and reshaped global broadcasting, has died at the age of 87. His passing on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, followed complications from Lewy body dementia—a condition diagnosed in 2018. Known for his bold personality and groundbreaking ventures, Turner left behind a legacy that stretched from newsrooms to vast American wildernesses. Turner first made his mark in 1980 by founding CNN, the world’s first 24-hour cable news network. Before that, he had already built an empire with channels like TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies. His business reach extended beyond media, too—he once owned the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, cementing his influence in sports as well as entertainment.

Beyond the boardroom, Turner was a larger-than-life figure. A self-described adventurer, he won the prestigious America’s Cup yachting trophy in 1977. His competitive streak and blunt, often controversial remarks earned him nicknames like *The Mouth From The South* and *Captain Outrageous*. Friends and critics alike knew him as a hard-drinking, cigar-smoking risk-taker who trusted his gut over caution. His personal life was just as colourful. Turner married three times, most notably to actor and activist Jane Fonda in a decade-long union from 1991 to 2001. After his death, Fonda paid tribute on Instagram, calling him a *gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate* who had helped her believe in herself. Turner’s passion for conservation was equally defining. He spent millions acquiring and protecting vast stretches of wild land across the U.S., including hundreds of thousands of acres dedicated to saving the American bison. His environmental efforts became as much a part of his identity as his media achievements.

Turner’s death marks the end of an era for media and conservation. His creation of CNN revolutionised how the world consumes news, while his land preservation work safeguarded natural habitats for future generations. Though remembered for his brashness and boldness, his impact on both industry and the environment remains undeniable.