Ted Turner, the cable pioneer who created CNN, TNT and Turner Classic Movies, died on Wednesday at 87. His death was met with appreciations from leaders in news and entertainment, who remembered the transformative effect he had on the media industry.
David Zaslav
Chief executive, Warner Bros. Discovery Mr. Zaslav runs the parent company of CNN and first met Mr. Turner in 1988 as a young lawyer.
Ted’s entrepreneurial spirit, creative ambition and willingness to take risks changed the media industry forever. He believed deeply in the power of ideas, in doing things differently and in building platforms that could inform, inspire and connect people around the world. That belief inspired generations of leaders, myself included. He did not just disrupt media. He transformed it.
In 1980, many questioned the logic of launching CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. Ted believed the world deserved access to news as it happened, and he acted on that conviction. CNN fundamentally changed how the world experiences history in real time, and its impact on journalism continues to be felt every day through the work of our teams.
Rupert Murdoch
Chairman emeritus, Fox Corporation Mr. Murdoch, the founder of Fox News, was a friend of Mr. Turner’s and one of his chief rivals.
Ted Turner’s vision for 24-hour cable news transformed the media industry and gave viewers everywhere a front seat to witness history unfold. His impact as a trailblazer has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. He was a great American and friend.
Brian Roberts
Chairman and co-chief executive, Comcast Brian Roberts was on the board of CNN. He and his father, Ralph, were friends of Mr. Turner’s.
Ted changed the lives of so many people around the world. I feel so fortunate to have been on his board of directors early in my career and to have learned so much from him. He was a true pioneer and an extraordinary philanthropist and his impact is profound and lasting.
Mark Lazarus
Chief executive, Versant Mr. Lazarus worked for two decades at the company Mr. Turner founded, including as the president of Turner Sports.
Ted Turner was one of the rare leaders who truly changed the trajectory of an industry. Having worked with him, I saw firsthand his willingness to take risks and his belief that media could be something bigger and more impactful. He pushed all of us to think beyond what was comfortable. His legacy is not just in what he built, but in how he inspired others to build. The industry will be served well if we can all “find our inner Ted.” He will be remembered for generations.
Benjamin Mullin reports for The Times on the major companies behind news and entertainment. Contact him securely on Signal at +1 530-961-3223 or at [email protected].
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