Ted Turner, the media pioneer who transformed global news coverage with the creation of CNN, passed away this month at the age of 87. Throughout his life, Turner was guided by advice from his father, Ed Turner, who urged him to set goals so high they might be unattainable within a lifetime, ensuring a continuous drive forward. Turner’s ambitious vision brought about some of the most significant changes in journalism and global media.

Turner’s most notable achievement was founding CNN, the first 24-hour news network, which reshaped how news was delivered worldwide. Known for insisting on the use of the term “international” instead of “foreign” in news reporting, Turner sought to broaden viewers’ perspectives beyond national biases. CNN’s groundbreaking coverage of events like the Gulf War in 1991, including exclusive interviews with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, exemplified this global approach. He also launched programs such as “World Report” that aggregated local news from across the globe, aiming to foster a more comprehensive and diverse understanding of world events.

Beyond journalism, Turner was deeply engaged in international issues and philanthropy. He established the United Nations Foundation, contributing roughly a billion dollars to support various UN initiatives. In 1985, he founded the Better World Society alongside prominent figures including Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and funded the Goodwill Games in Moscow and Atlanta, efforts that symbolized a hope for international cooperation during politically divisive periods like the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics.

Turner’s personal life, which included a high-profile marriage to actress Jane Fonda, often attracted public attention. Reflecting on his life in a 2012 interview, Turner expressed regret over two things: losing control of CNN and the failure of his marriage to Fonda.

Those who worked alongside Turner recall his passion for globalization and fostering global citizenship. His impact was particularly felt by journalists who traveled the world to report impartially on conflicts and developments. Under his leadership, CNN maintained substantial resources for field reporting, enabling coverage from challenging locations such as rural Haryana, India.

However, Turner’s pioneering idea of 24-hour news also sowed the seeds of challenges for CNN. The model attracted competitors who viewed news as a commercial venture rather than a public service, increasingly prioritizing sensationalism over substantive reporting and scaling back international bureaus. CNN itself followed this trend after Turner’s departure, eventually operating with minimal staff in key global capitals, including New Delhi.

When asked about his ultimate “impossible dream,” Turner said in 2012 that he hoped for “a world at peace.” Yet, by the time of his passing, the world was experiencing more state-based conflicts than at any point since World War II, underscoring the complexity of realizing that vision.

Ted Turner’s legacy remains multifaceted—marked by groundbreaking innovation in news media, a commitment to global humanitarian efforts, and a lifelong pursuit of ambitious ideals that continue to influence journalism and international engagement today.