CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87

BBC News reports the passing of a true titan of the media industry, Ted Turner, who died at 87. Turner's visionary creation, CNN, fundamentally reshaped how the world consumed news, pioneering the concept of a dedicated, round-the-clock news channel. His passing marks the end of an era in broadcasting.

Turner's legacy is intrinsically tied to the birth of modern cable news. Launched in 1980, CNN broke the mold of traditional news delivery, offering continuous coverage that became indispensable during major global events. His innovative spirit and willingness to take risks laid the groundwork for the media landscape we know today.

CNN's current leadership, including CEO Mark Thompson, paid heartfelt tribute, recognizing Turner not just as a founder but as the "presiding spirit" of the network. This sentiment underscores the profound and lasting influence Turner had on CNN's identity and its operational philosophy. His pioneering work established a standard for global news dissemination that continues to be felt worldwide.

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Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement. He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.