Ted Turner, the pioneering media mogul who founded CNN and transformed global television news with the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87.

According to a statement from Turner Entreprises, Turner died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his family.

Widely known as “The Mouth of the South” for his outspoken personality, Turner built a vast media empire that included cable television’s first superstation, movie and cartoon channels, and ownership of major sports franchises such as the Atlanta Braves.

Born in Ohio and based in Atlanta, Turner became one of the most influential figures in modern broadcasting after launching CNN on June 1, 1980. The network revolutionized television journalism by providing continuous, around-the-clock news coverage from across the globe.

His vision reshaped how audiences consumed breaking news and major world events, eventually turning CNN into one of the world’s most recognised news brands.

In 1991, Time Magazine named Turner its “Man of the Year,” crediting him with changing global media and allowing viewers in over 150 countries to witness history in real time.

Beyond media, Turner was also known for his philanthropy and activism. He founded the United Nations Foundation, campaigned for nuclear disarmament, promoted environmental conservation, and played a significant role in restoring bison populations in the American West.

He also created the animated environmental series Captain Planet and the Planeteers to educate children about protecting the planet.

Turner later sold his media networks to Warner Bros Discovery through the Time Warner merger but frequently described CNN as the greatest achievement of his life.