CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Ted Turner, the American media mogul who founded the world's first 24-hour news channel CNN, has died at the age of 87.
- Turner's career began with his father's outdoor advertising company, and he later entered the media industry by acquiring a local TV station before launching CNN in 1980.
- CNN gained global prominence during the 1990 Gulf War, and Turner went on to build a media empire including TNT and Cartoon Network before selling his company to Time Warner in 1996.
The passing of Ted Turner, the visionary founder of CNN, marks the end of an era in global media. Turner, a true titan of the industry, revolutionized television news by launching the world's first 24-hour news channel, fundamentally changing how the world receives information.
I learn more from CNN than I do from the CIA.
From his humble beginnings with his father's advertising company to his audacious acquisition of a local Atlanta station and the subsequent creation of CNN, Turner's career was a testament to bold entrepreneurship. CNN's rise to global prominence, particularly during the Gulf War, cemented its place as a crucial source of real-time news, a legacy that continues to shape the media landscape today.
Beyond CNN, Turner's influence extended to entertainment with the creation of channels like TNT and Cartoon Network, showcasing his multifaceted approach to media. While his business acumen was undeniable, Turner was also known for his outspoken nature and his later-life commitment to causes like nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.
Turner was one of the greatest figures in broadcast history, and a friend of mine.
His passing is mourned not just by the media world but by those who recognized his significant contributions to broadcasting and his impact on global discourse. The news of his death, as reported by Dong-A Ilbo, serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the world.
He was personally shocked that the new owners have ruined CNN.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.