CA, US & World
Ted Turner, CNN Founder and Media Pioneer, Dies at 87
Ted Turner, the brash and outspoken television pioneer who reshaped the media industry, has died at the age of 87. Turner died Wednesday surrounded by family, according to Turner Enterprises.
Turner first made his mark by taking over his family’s billboard business at just 24 years old following his father’s death, turning it into a multimillion-dollar company. He later shifted his attention to broadcasting, buying a struggling television station in Atlanta and using satellite technology to create the national superstation TBS.
In 1980, Turner launched CNN — the nation’s first 24-hour cable news network — fundamentally changing the way Americans consumed news and helping create the modern around-the-clock news cycle. His vision transformed television journalism and made live breaking news coverage a global expectation.
He was also a major philanthropist and conservationist, donating $1 billion to the United Nations and dedicating vast stretches of land to wildlife preservation and restoring the American bison population.
Turner later sold Turner Broadcasting System to Time Warner in 1996. He was also widely known for his marriage to Jane Fonda, whom he wed in 1991.
From launching cable news to conservation and philanthropy, Ted Turner leaves behind a legacy that permanently changed American media and public life.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 6, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings