Ted Turner, the media mogul who founded CNN, the world's first 24-hour news cable network, died on the 6th (local time) at age 87.
According to CNN and The New York Times (NYT), Turner died at his home in Florida, United States, on this day with his family at his side. He was diagnosed in 2018 with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease, and was hospitalized with pneumonia last year.
Turner founded CNN in 1980, making the concept of "24-hour news" a reality. At the time, he said, "When I worked until 7 p.m. and came home, the news was already over," and noted, "I was convinced there were many people like me who couldn't watch the evening TV news," emphasizing the need for a 24-hour news channel. In 1982, he launched CNN2 (now Headline News), and in 1985, CNN International, which was broadcast worldwide, and he also created several cable channels, including Turner Network Television and Cartoon Network. The power of a 24-hour news channel drew attention during the 1990 Gulf War. It was the first time a war was broadcast live, and it could be seen only on CNN.
The early days of the business were not smooth. CNN racked up losses for several years after its founding and did not shy away from clashes with the political establishment. Even so, Turner expanded the company through bold investments and challenges, selling the network business to Time Warner in 1996 for $7.5 billion (about 11 trillion won). He continued to oversee the cable news business as a vice chairman of Time Warner but resigned in 2003, and he remained active as a philanthropist until recently.
His life is summed up as that of a "successful rebel." He repeatedly made unconventional choices, such as acquiring broadcasters and sports teams and expanding satellite distribution, and in his private life, he drew attention with three marriages and controversies. Politically, he professed conservative leanings while also interacting with Fidel Castro, displaying a contradictory path.
Turner said in his lifetime, "I am more an adventurer than a businessman." In fact, he donated $1 billion to the United Nations and, in his later years, devoted himself to philanthropy and environmental protection, including converting vast land into nature preserves.
President Donald Trump said, "Turner was one of the greatest of all time," adding, "Whenever I needed him, he was there, and he was always willing to fight for a good cause," offering his condolences.