Arabic version: توفي مؤسس CNN تيد تيرنر عن عمر يناهز 87 عامًا

Media mogul Ted Turner, who pioneered the modern 24-hour news culture when he launched the CNN channel, has died at the age of 87, the network has announced. Turner launched Cable News Network as the first dedicated rolling news channel, in 1980, which soon became a central part of the media landscape.

According to BBC News, CNN initially struggled, but proved its worth by providing speedy and continuous updates of stories like the assassination attempt on US President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. The network truly came of age with its live rolling coverage from Iraq during the 1990-1991 Gulf War.

CNN CEO and chairman Mark Thompson praised Turner as an “intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement” and emphasized his lasting impact on the network. Turner’s vision and courage in media innovation have left an indelible mark on journalism.

Beyond CNN, Turner built a media empire that included TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network. His ventures also extended to sports, owning teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks. Turner was also an accomplished yachtsman, winning the America’s Cup in 1977.

Turner’s legacy is not only defined by his contributions to broadcasting but also by his personal life, including his marriage to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 until 2001. His influence on the media landscape will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the evolution of news reporting.