CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the media mogul who built a broadcasting empire including CNN, has died at the age of 87. CNN reported the news on Wednesday, citing a press release from Turner Enterprises. The cause of death was not disclosed. Turner had revealed in September 2018 that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a degenerative neurological disease.

Turner became one of the most powerful figures in American media and entertainment, building networks specializing in news, sports, reruns and classic films. He expanded his portfolio with the acquisition of the MGM/UA film studio and merged his Turner Broadcasting System with Time Warner in 1996.

Beyond media, Turner was a prominent environmentalist, one of the largest landowners in the United States and a major philanthropist. He donated $1bn to the United Nations. Forbes estimated his fortune at $2.8bn. His third wife was the actress Jane Fonda.

(reuters, max)