Ted Turner was one of the most influential figures in modern media. Turner, affectionatley knwon as “the mouth of the south” wasa visionary businessman who transformed how news and entertainment are delivered around the world. Best known as the founder of CNN — the first 24-hour cable news network — Turner built a media empire that reshaped television and global information flow. His ventures included Superstation WTBS, CNN Headline News, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network, establishing him as a pioneer in cable broadcasting.
Former Atlanta Mayor and United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young told Channel 2’s Karyn Greer that he knew his friend had been struggling with poor health for a while.
But he said Turner was more than businessman. He was a force for Atlanta and the world.
“We didn’t have small talk. He was always talking about some major problem on Earth, or in the environment, or how do we have peace on this planet?” Young said.
Young said Turner’s efforts made Atlanta a more globally recognized city with his influence extending into the civic and international arenas. The pair moved in the same circles of leadership and public service.
“He created a foundation and started with a billion dollar contribution. And he asked me to serve on his foundation board with a few people, prominent people from around the world,” Young recalled.
The former mayor and ambassador said Turner understood the power of connecting people.
Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati, Ohio, Turner was the son of a billboard advertising executive. After attending Brown University—where he was later awarded an honorary degree—he took over his father’s business following his father’s death and expanded it significantly. He soon moved into broadcasting, acquiring a struggling Atlanta television station and turning it into a national “superstation” through satellite distribution.
In 1980, Turner launched CNN, a bold and initially risky concept that became one of the most powerful news organizations in the world. His ambition extended beyond media; he founded the Goodwill Games in the 1980s to ease Cold War tensions and provide an international platform for athletes affected by Olympic boycotts.
Turner also made headlines for acquiring MGM/UA and its vast film library, later sparking controversy by colorizing classic black-and-white films. His company merged with Time Warner in 1996, placing him at the center of one of the largest media conglomerates of the era.
Beyond business, Turner was a major philanthropist and environmental advocate. He pledged $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation and supported numerous global initiatives. His legacy endures as a transformative force in media, philanthropy, and global communication.
During his years in broadcast, Ted Turner brought diverse programming and news coverage to a national audience.
Long-time friend and colleague, Xernona Clayton, said this was important to Turner. He wanted to make sure he was creating content to appeal and entertain everyone.
Clayton is an American civil rights leader and Turner Broadcasting executive.
She first met Turner in the late 70s when she was hired as a special projects producer. Clayton said she also took on a bit of an advisor role to the media mogul.
“The relationship just grew and grew and grew,” Clayton said. “He always wanted to know what I thought.”
Clayton went on to become Turner’s corporate public relations director and, eventually, vice president of urban affairs.
Celebrated actress and renowned activist Jane Fonda, who was married to Turner from 1991 to 2001, spoke warmly about their relationship, calling him her “favorite ex-husband” in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Fonda posted on her Facebook page immediately after learning of Turner’s death: My immediate thoughts about Ted; He swept into my life, a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate and I’ve never been the same. He needed me. No one had ever let me know they needed me, and this wasn’t your average human being that needed me, this was the creator of CNN, and Turner Classic Movies, who had won the America’s Cup as the world’s greatest sailor. He had a big life, a brilliant mind and a soaring sense of humor.”
Turner was 87 at the time of his death.
