Ted Turner, the media mogul who founded CNN and changed the way the world consumes news, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. His death was announced by Turner Enterprises, which stated he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Turner launched CNN in 1980, creating the first 24-hour cable news network. The network gained global prominence during the Gulf War in 1991, when its live coverage from Baghdad drew millions of viewers. Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team and was a prominent philanthropist, donating billions to environmental and peace causes.
In 1996, Turner sold his media company, Turner Broadcasting System, to Time Warner (now Warner Bros. Discovery). He later became known for his environmental activism and his pledge to give away much of his fortune through the United Nations Foundation and the Turner Foundation.
Turner is survived by his five children and his ex-wife, actress Jane Fonda. His legacy as a pioneer in news media and philanthropy is widely recognized.
