KABUL (Pajhwok): Media mogul Ted Turner, who founded CNN — the pioneering 24-hour news network that transformed television journalism — has died at the age of 87, according to media reports on Thursday.
Turner passed away on Wednesday surrounded by family, Turner Enterprises said in a statement. In 1980, he launched CNN, the world’s first dedicated rolling news channel, which went on to become a major force in global media, the BBC reported.
CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as “the giant on whose shoulders we stand,” praising his fearless leadership and willingness to trust his instincts.
Despite early scepticism and ridicule from critics who dubbed CNN the “Chicken Noodle Network,” the channel proved its value through continuous live coverage of major events, including the 1981 assassination attempt on US President Ronald Reagan, the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, and the 1990-91 Gulf War.
CNN founding team member Mary Alice Williams described Turner as “a wild man” and “a go-for-broke idea guy.”
Beyond CNN, Turner expanded his media empire through Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and owned several sports franchises, including the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks.
Known for his outspoken personality and philanthropy, Turner donated $1 billion to the United Nations and strongly supported environmental and clean energy initiatives. He was married to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001.
In 2018, Turner revealed he had Lewy body dementia.
PAN Monitor/sa
