CNN FOUNDER TED TURNER DIES AT 87: Ted Turner, a famous media tycoon, businessman, and philanthropist responsible for founding CNN, is dead.

The media tycoon, philanthropist, and business mogul died at the age of 87. The unfortunate news of Ted Turner’s death was broken by CNN citing a news report issued by Turner Enterprises. “Ted was a passionate leader, intrepid, fearless, and always ready to take a chance and trust his own judgment," Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, said in the statement. "He was, and always will be, the guiding spirit of CNN.”

What was Ted Turner’s net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the net worth of Ted Turner was estimated to be $2.2 billion at the time of his death.

At his peak, Ted Turner was one of the most influential figures in broadcasting due to his bold but visionary approach. He created a giant out of the Turner Broadcasting System, introducing revolutionary concepts such as superstations and channels like TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.

Through the creation of the Cable News Network, he changed both the cultural scene and political landscape by introducing the first 24-hour news network in America. The advent of CNN has paved the way for its competitors like Fox News and MSNBC, which is now known as MS Now.

Ted Turner’s real estate holdings

The media mogul was a huge private land owner in the U.S. He owned around two million acres of land spread across various states such as Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and South Dakota. All his land holdings were owned by his organisation, known as the Turner Enterprises.

Ted Turner’s age and cause of death

The media giant died at the age of 87. Ted Turner, who founded CNN, was considered one of the most innovative media tycoons, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on November 19, 1938, Turner succumbed to the illness of Lewy Body Dementia. Turner was popular for establishing the first 24-hour cable news network and his contributions to philanthropy.