Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III, a media tycoon and the founder of CNN, revolutionized the world of television with the creation of the first ever 24-hour cable news network. From a young age, Turner was immersed in the world of business, assisting his father in his advertising company. Despite facing personal hardships, including the tragic loss of his father to suicide, Turner persevered and took over the family business, turning it into a profitable venture. He went on to establish the Turner Broadcasting System and CNN, forever changing the landscape of news broadcasting. In addition to his business success, Turner is also known for his philanthropy, having contributed $1 billion to the United Nations to establish the United Nations Foundation.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Robert Edward Turner III
- Age: 85 Years, 85 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Jane Fonda (m. 1991–2001), Jane Shirley Smith (m. 1965–1988), Julia Gale Nye (m. 1960–1964)
- Father: Robert Edward Turner II
- Mother: Florence Turner
- Children: Jennie Turner, Rhett Turner
- American Men
- Brown University
- U.S. State: Ohio
- City: Cincinnati, Ohio
- More Facts
- Education: Brown University
- Awards:
- Peabody Award
- Golden CableACE
- PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Television
Childhood & Early Life
Ted Turner was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the eldest son of Robert Edward Turner Jr. and Florence. His father was a successful businessman who owned Turner Advertising. However, Ted had a difficult childhood as his father suffered from bipolar disorder and physically abused him.
When World War II broke out, Ted’s father went to serve in the Navy and took his wife and daughter with him, leaving Ted behind. Feeling abandoned, Ted was sent to a boarding school in Cincinnati. After the war, his father enrolled him at the Georgia Military Academy.
Career
After being expelled from Brown University for having a woman in his dormitory room, Ted joined his father’s business. His father made him the assistant manager of Turner Advertising’s Atlanta branch. However, his father’s health deteriorated due to the financial burdens of the company, and he committed suicide in 1963.
At just 24 years old, Ted took charge of the indebted company and worked tirelessly to pay off its debts. By the late 1960s, the company had grown significantly. Ted expanded into television and purchased a failing UHF station in Atlanta, renaming it WTCG. He also renamed his company to Turner Communications.
In 1976, the WTCG-TV Superstation began to broadcast nationwide, gaining 2 million subscribers and making Ted’s net worth reach $100 million. He renamed his company Turner Broadcasting System and the station to WTBS. He also acquired the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks to provide programming for WTBS.
In 1980, Ted launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour all-news channel. Despite criticism from media professionals, CNN became highly profitable within five years. Ted went on to establish several other ventures, including Turner Entertainment Co., Turner Network Television (TNT), Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies.
Major Works
Ted Turner is best known as the founder of CNN, the first all-news television channel in the United States. The channel has numerous affiliates and is available in over 100 million U.S. households. He is also a philanthropist and has played an active role in the United Nations Association. He donated $1 billion to the United Nations for creating the United Nations Foundation and serves on its board of directors.
Personal Life & Legacy
Ted Turner has been married three times. His first marriage was to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964. He then married Jane Shirley Smith in 1965, but they divorced in 1988. In 1991, he married actress Jane Fonda, but their marriage ended in 2001. Ted has five children.
In addition to his business ventures, Ted Turner is also an accomplished sailor and has been inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
Awards & Achievements
Ted Turner has received several awards for his contributions. He was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Gold Medal for Humanitarianism, which is given to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to humanity. The Franklin Institute also awarded him the Bower Award for Business Leadership in 2006.