Ted Turner, the founder of Cable News Network (CNN), has died at the age of 87.
His family confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday through Turner Enterprises.
The statement described Turner as a man known for his “no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humour, and undying loyalty” to family, friends and associates.
“On behalf of the Turner family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of philanthropist, environmentalist and cable pioneer Ted Turner, who died peacefully today at age 87, surrounded by his family,” the statement reads.
“He charmed people he met with his warmth and general lack of conceit, despite his many successes and celebrity — an attribute made apparent in his response to anyone who addressed him as ‘Mr Turner’ — he’d always reply, ‘Call me Ted!’”
Turner entered the media business at the age of 24 after taking charge of his father’s billboard company. He later expanded the business into a major media organisation.
In June 1980, he established CNN, which became the first television station to provide news coverage for 24 hours daily. The development changed the global television news industry by introducing continuous news broadcasting beyond the traditional scheduled bulletins.
In 2018, Turner revealed that he was battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive disorder that affects the brain.
CNN reported that his outspoken style earned him the nickname “The Mouth of the South.”
Aside from broadcasting, Turner was also known for humanitarian activities. He founded the United Nations Foundation and supported several environmental causes.
Reacting to his death, CNN Worldwide chairman and chief executive, Mark Thompson, paid tribute to the late media entrepreneur.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Thompson said.
“He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognise him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
Turner is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family requested privacy and disclosed that a private funeral service would be held. They added that details of a public memorial would be announced at a later date.
