CNN founder Ted Turner has died aged 87

Media pioneer and the visionary behind CNN,Ted Turner has died at the age of 87, the network confirmed on Wednesday.

Turner, widely known for his bold and outspoken style, transformed global journalism when he launched CNN in 1980,the world’s first 24-hour television news channel. His groundbreaking idea was driven by frustration with limited broadcast schedules, as traditional evening news bulletins left gaps in coverage.

Taking a major financial and professional gamble, Turner built the network from scratch, even living above its Atlanta offices during its early days.

CNN’s defining moment came during the Gulf War, when it became the only major broadcaster reporting live from Baghdad as the conflict began. Its real-time coverage reshaped how audiences experienced breaking news and cemented CNN’s global influence.

Turner’s legacy endures as a pioneer who revolutionised the speed, reach and nature of modern news reporting.

Turner also owned several professional sports teams in the United States and donated $1 billion to United Nations charities.