Ted Turner

Ted Turner

Name	Ted Turner
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Media proprietor, philanthropist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founder of CNN, TBS, Turner Broadcasting System
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American media proprietor, producer, and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel. Turner is also known for founding the Turner Broadcasting System, which pioneered the "superstation" concept in cable television.

Early Life and Education

Ted Turner was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert Edward Turner II and Florence (née Rooney) Turner. He spent his early years in Savannah, Georgia, where his father owned a successful billboard advertising business. Turner attended the McCallie School, a private boys' preparatory school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He later enrolled at Brown University, where he studied classics and was a member of the sailing team. However, he was expelled before graduating due to disciplinary reasons.

Career

Turner Advertising Company

After leaving Brown University, Turner joined his father's business, Turner Advertising Company, which he took over in 1963 following his father's suicide. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, becoming one of the largest billboard advertising companies in the Southeast United States.

Turner Broadcasting System

In 1970, Turner purchased a struggling UHF television station in Atlanta, Georgia, which he renamed WTCG ("Watch This Channel Grow"). He transformed it into a "superstation" by transmitting its signal via satellite to cable systems nationwide, rebranding it as WTBS (later TBS). This innovative approach laid the groundwork for the modern cable television industry.

CNN

In 1980, Turner launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour news channel. Despite initial skepticism, CNN became a major success, revolutionizing news broadcasting and establishing Turner as a leading figure in the media industry.

Other Ventures

Turner expanded his media empire by acquiring MGM/UA Entertainment Company in 1986, although he later sold parts of it. He also founded Turner Network Television (TNT) in 1988 and acquired Hanna-Barbera and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Philanthropy

Turner is a noted philanthropist, having donated over $1 billion to various causes. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, creating the United Nations Foundation. He is also a strong advocate for environmental causes and has established the Turner Foundation, which focuses on environmental and population issues.

Personal Life

Turner has been married three times, most notably to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. He has five children. Turner is known for his outspoken personality and has been involved in various controversies throughout his career.

Legacy

Ted Turner's impact on the media industry is profound, having pioneered the concept of 24-hour news and the "superstation." His philanthropic efforts have also left a lasting mark on global humanitarian and environmental initiatives.

Also see

• Cable News Network
• Turner Broadcasting System
• Jane Fonda
• Philanthropy
• Media proprietor