American entrepreneur and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at the age of 87.
CNN confirmed his death on Wednesday, citing a press release from Turner Enterprises. No cause of death was disclosed.
In a statement, CNN CEO and Chairman Mark Thompson described Turner as a bold and visionary leader.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement.
“He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world,” Thompson said.
Robert Edward Turner III, born November 19, 1938, was an American entrepreneur, television producer, media mogul and philanthropist.
He founded the Cable News Network (CNN), the world’s first 24-hour cable news channel, revolutionising global news broadcasting.
Turner also established WTBS, which pioneered the superstation model in cable television, and later launched the TNT network.