Robert Edward Turner III, the titan behind the CNN juggernaut and a figure who fundamentally reshaped the television landscape, has died at 87. His passing was confirmed on Wednesday, with his company, Turner Enterprises, issuing a statement. Turner's extensive career was marked by audacious ventures, from launching the first 24-hour cable news network to amassing a diverse business empire that touched sports, conservation, and even restaurants.
Turner's most enduring creation, CNN, launched in 1980, fundamentally altered the nature of broadcast journalism by offering round-the-clock news coverage. This all-hours approach, which Turner reportedly envisioned as continuing "until the world ends," revolutionized how information was consumed and disseminated. His work at CNN was described by the current CNN chairman and CEO, Mark Thompson, as the "presiding spirit of CNN," noting Turner's "intrepid, fearless" leadership style and his willingness to "back a hunch."
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Turner's influence extended beyond news. He was the driving force behind channels like TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies. His ownership of sports franchises included the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. In his later years, he also championed environmental causes through initiatives like the Turner Endangered Species Fund and managed vast tracts of land, overseeing a large bison population. His ventures even extended to the culinary world with the Ted's Montana Grill restaurant chain.
“He was one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine,” stated President Donald Trump on social media. Trump also used the opportunity to criticize CNN, labeling it “woke” and asserting it had veered from Turner's original vision.
The billionaire's personal life was as varied as his professional one. He was married three times, including a notable decade-long union with actress Jane Fonda, who has shared poignant reflections on their relationship. Turner is survived by his five children: Rhett Turner, Laura Turner Seydel, Jennie Turner Garlington, Teddy Turner, and Beau Turner.
Turner's complex legacy is further illustrated by the diverse reactions to his passing. While hailed as a "visionary and a trailblazer" by figures like Discovery CEO David Zaslav, he was also known for a brash, outspoken persona that earned him the moniker "Mouth of the South." His candid style, sometimes described as "shoot-from-the-lip," could alienate as many as it engaged. Journalist Lisa Napoli, in her book on CNN's inception, noted Turner's stated belief that Americans were "so ill-informed," a sentiment that fueled his drive to create the network.
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His fortune, once substantial, saw a significant shift after the 2001 Time Warner-AOL merger, which led to a drop in company shares and a subsequent financial downturn for Turner, who had previously sold his Turner Broadcasting company to Time Warner. Despite his immense wealth, Forbes noted his position as the 1,518th-richest person at the time of his death, a testament to both his earlier success and later financial challenges.
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The path to media mogul was not without its early struggles. Turner attended Brown University but faced financial strain when his father, Robert Edward Turner Jr., cut off tuition due to disapproval of his chosen major. His early career began in the family's advertising business in Savannah, Georgia, selling billboard space. His formative years also included a stint at military schools, where he honed his skills in debate and developed a passion for yachting. Accounts from his memoir suggest a rebellious streak, including a suspension from college for bringing a woman to his dorm room, a situation he insisted did not lead to expulsion. In his later years, he reportedly dealt with forgetfulness, a symptom that reportedly left him "tired" and "exhausted."
Reflecting on his life, Turner mused about his own epitaph, humorously considering phrases like "You Can't Interview Me Here." His approach to business and life was often characterized by a hands-off philosophy, as he famously stated, "We don't own anything, we just borrow it for a while."
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