Ted Turner, founder of CNN and creator of 24-hour TV news cycle, dies at 87

Ted Turner's creation of CNN marked a turning point in how news was delivered and consumed, introducing a format that brought live, continuous coverage of global events into homes around the world.

Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who launched CNN and pioneered the 24-hour television news model, has died at the age of 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises.

Turner’s creation of CNN marked a turning point in how news was delivered and consumed, introducing a format that brought live, continuous coverage of global events into homes around the world. What began as a risky idea eventually became a defining feature of modern media.

Known for his outspoken style, Turner built a media empire that extended beyond news. His ventures included cable’s first superstation, as well as entertainment channels focused on films and cartoons. He also owned major sports franchises, including the Atlanta Braves.

His push for round-the-clock news coverage redefined journalism, allowing audiences to follow events as they unfolded in real time -- a model that is now standard across global broadcasters. In 1991, Time magazine named Turner its Man of the Year, citing his role in "influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history."

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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