By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Jean Louis-Atlan
Billionaire entrepreneur, television producer, and founder of CNN, Ted Turner, passed away at the age of 87.
Turner is responsible for transforming broadcast television, such as TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. We can’t forget his imprint on WCW Monday Night Nitro, which made a big impact in the 90s. WCW was beating WWE in ratings for 84 weeks.
Starting the Cable News Network (CNN) in 1985 was a big risk. It was a risk that eventually paid off. CNN became the first 24-hour cable news network.
Turner had been married three times. However, one of the most well-known marriages was with actress Jane Fonda. Although they are no longer together, they stayed close as friends and share their passion for philanthropy.
Atlanta meant so much to Turner, and Turner meant a lot to Atlanta. Braves games on TBS Superstation were some of the best years in the eyes of baseball fans, especially Braves fans. Turner went through trials and tribulations with the Braves but saw glory years throughout the 90s, especially when they won the 1995 World Series.
Turner built a massive media empire. He’s considered a genius and a good guy by public figures such as Larry King, with whom he worked for years. They are reunited in heaven.
His childhood life wasn’t easy. His parents sent him to boarding school when he was four years old. Turner’s little sister died of lupus when Ted was 16 years old. The relationship that he had with his dad was challenging. They had tough moments together, but Ted learned from his dad, who taught him about courage. Ted worked for his dads Billbaord company. His dad took his own life, which made Ted take over the family business.
Turner loved sailing and even won the America’s Cup in 1977. Time Warner merged with AOL. After his life in the media, TBS bought Bleacher Report for $200 million. Turner has become a digital sports platform over the past few years.
Ted is also passionate about climate and believes in breaking down barriers and nations. He didn’t like the word “foreign” and preferred “international” instead.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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