Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur credited with revolutionizing television news through the creation of CNN, died Wednesday at his home in Lamont, Florida. He was 87 years old. His family confirmed his passing but did not disclose the cause of death. Turner had revealed in 2018 that he was living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative condition.

Turner’s impact on the media industry extended far beyond launching Cable News Network in 1980, the first 24-hour all-news channel that transformed how audiences consumed news. His vision challenged the traditional broadcast model dominated by ABC, NBC, and CBS and introduced continuous live coverage that reshaped public expectations of timely information. Within two years, CNN garnered millions of subscribers and served as a pioneer for later cable news outlets such as MSNBC and Fox News. The network’s live reporting during major events, including the 1986 Challenger disaster and the 1991 Persian Gulf War, marked a shift toward real-time news consumption globally.

Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in 1938 and raised in Georgia, Turner inherited his father’s billboard business at 24 and rapidly expanded it into a multimedia empire. He was an early adopter of cable and satellite technology, launching additional channels including TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. His portfolio also included ownership of the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball franchise, as well as involvement in professional wrestling through World Championship Wrestling.

Turner was known for his distinctive public persona—dubbed the “Mouth from the South” for his outspoken style—and his willingness to disrupt established media and entertainment markets. His career combined substantial successes with some costly missteps, such as a failed attempt to acquire CBS and relinquishing control of MGM shortly after purchase, though he retained its valuable film library. In 1996, Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner, beginning a transition that eventually diminished Turner’s direct influence in corporate media. He left the board in 2003 and divested his shares by 2007.

Beyond media, Turner was a noted philanthropist and land conservation advocate. He became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, protecting nearly two million acres and supporting species such as the American bison. His liberal activism included significant donations to the United Nations Foundation and initiatives promoting peace, environmentalism, and nuclear disarmament.

Turner’s personal life was as complex as his business ventures, marked by multiple marriages—including to actress Jane Fonda—and a candid acknowledgment of his romantic entanglements. Despite a turbulent childhood and challenges early in life, he forged a legacy as a pioneering figure in modern media.

He is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. A private family service is planned, with a public memorial to follow. Leading figures within the media industry praised Turner’s trailblazing vision and enduring influence, recognizing him as a transformative figure whose innovations continue to shape news delivery worldwide.