Ted Turner dies at 87
American media mogul, NCS founder, and Atlanta revolutionary, Ted Turner dies at 87 years outdated. We bear in mind his legacy.
ATLANTA – Ted Turner, the outspoken media maverick who revolutionized international tv by founding NCS, died Wednesday at 87 years outdated. Turner Enterprises confirmed his death in a information launch to NCS, marking the top of a profession that reshaped information, sports activities, and philanthropy.
Media empire historical past
What we all know:
Turner remodeled a small Atlanta tv station into a world powerhouse by utilizing satellite tv for pc expertise to create the primary “superstation” in 1975. He launched NCS in 1980 as the primary 24-hour information channel, later including manufacturers like TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies to his portfolio.
He additionally expanded into skilled sports activities, proudly owning the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks throughout extremely profitable eras for each franchises. Turner was named Time journal’s Person of the Year in 1991 for his affect on international occasions and media.
Health and closing years
What we do not know:
While Turner Enterprises confirmed his dying occurred Wednesday, officers haven’t but launched particular particulars relating to his closing moments or actual explanation for dying. Turner had been dwelling with Lewy physique dementia since at least 2018, in response to his personal earlier public disclosures.
It can be unclear if his earlier bout with pneumonia in early 2025 contributed to his well being decline. Details relating to funeral preparations or public memorials haven’t been introduced.
Legacy of giving
Why you must care:
Beyond tv, Turner was a large philanthropist who pledged $1 billion to the United Nations and based the Nuclear (*87*) Initiative. He was one of many largest landowners within the U.S. and performed a serious function in reintroducing bison to the American West.
His environmental activism prolonged to leisure, the place he co-created the “Captain Planet” cartoon to show kids about conservation. Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of NCS Worldwide, referred to as Turner a “fearless” chief and the “presiding spirit” of the community.
Family and background
The backstory:
Born in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner took over his household’s billboard enterprise following his father’s suicide in 1963 and moved it to Atlanta. He was married 3 times, together with a high-profile marriage to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001.
Turner is survived by his 5 kids: Laura Lee, Robert Edward Turner IV, Beau, Rhett, and Jennie. He remained a vice-chairman of Time Warner after a 1996 merger earlier than ultimately leaving the corporate in 2003.