Businessman and media mogul Ted Turner passed on Wednesday at the age of 87. Turner, who was the founder of CNN, played a major role in shaping the current media landscape. President Trump honored Turner in a post on Truth Social following the news of his passing. Although he lamented the trajectory of Turner’s network, the president praised him for his abilities and leadership.
“Ted Turner, one of the Greats of All Time, just died. He founded CNN, sold it, and was personally devastated by the Deal because the new ownership took CNN, his “baby,” and destroyed it,” President Trump said. “It became woke, and everything that he is not all about.”
President Trump referenced the recent merger between Paramount and CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros., as a potential opportunity to revitalize the network and bring it closer to Turner’s original vision. “Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people, will be able to bring it back to its former credibility and glory,” President Trump said.
Turner was a key figure in the development of the 24-hour cable news cycle, which transformed the way Americans consume information. Turner founded CNN in 1980, which was the first 24-hour cable news network. He went on to launch other branches of CNN, and additional cable channels, including TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. He was also influential in the sports world through his ownership of the Atlanta Braves, which contributed to the team’s success and the development of a national fan base.
President Trump concluded his statement by sharing his gratitude for Turner’s impact and his friendship. “Regardless, however, one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine,” he said. “Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!”
