Robert Edward Turner III, the media entrepreneur who founded the world’s first 24-hour news network, has died at the age of 87.
According to CNN, Turner passed away on Wednesday, with his death confirmed in a statement issued by Turner Enterprises and shared via the network’s official X handle.
Turner is widely credited with revolutionising global journalism through the launch of CNN in 1980, a groundbreaking move that introduced continuous, real-time news coverage and transformed how audiences consume information worldwide.
“Turner’s vision changed journalism forever by making news immediate, global, and constant,” the statement from Turner Enterprises said.
Born in Ohio, Turner earned the nickname “The Mouth of the South” due to his outspoken personality. Over the years, he built a vast media empire that included cable television’s first superstation and a range of influential channels spanning movies, cartoons, and sports.
Beyond broadcasting, Turner owned professional sports franchises such as the Atlanta Braves, further expanding his influence in the entertainment industry.
He was also recognised globally for his philanthropic and environmental efforts. Turner founded the United Nations Foundation and actively advocated for nuclear disarmament and environmental conservation.
A passionate conservationist, he became one of the largest private landowners in the United States and played a significant role in reintroducing bison to parts of the American West.
Turner also contributed to environmental education through the creation of the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers, aimed at raising awareness among young audiences.
His bold vision to deliver round-the-clock global news coverage cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern media, reshaping journalism and setting a standard that continues to define the industry today.
