CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87 – One America News Network

OAN Staff Addie Davis
10:4 AM – Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Media mogul Ted Turner, founder of CNN, died at 87, Turner Enterprises said Wednesday, adding he passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Turner shook up the media landscape when he founded CNN in 1980, creating the 24-hour news cycle. He is also known for Turner networks that include Cartoon Network, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), though his business ventures extend beyond the news world.

President Donald Trump labeled Turner a friend and voiced optimism for the future of the news company, which he has repeatedly criticized.

“Ted Turner, one of the Greats of All Time, just died. He founded CNN, sold it, and was personally devastated by the Deal because the new ownership took CNN, his “baby,” and destroyed it. It became woke, and everything that he is not all about. Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people will be able to bring it back to its former credibility and glory,” the president posted to Truth Social on Wednesday.

 

“Regardless, however, one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine. Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!” Trump added.

Turner was known to be brash and charming, with Turner Enterprises describing him as having “warmth and general lack of conceit.”

“He was also a man known for his no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humor, and undying loyalty to those around him,” the statement said.

 

The business adventurer and philanthropist is survived by five children. A private family service is planned with a public memorial to follow at a later date.

“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement. He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN,” said the chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, Mark Thompson, in a statement.

“Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and in the world,” he continued.