Ted Turner, the media maverick and philanthropist who founded CNN, a pioneering 24-hour network that revolutionized television news, died on Wednesday, according to a news release from Turner Enterprises. He was 87.

Turner began his media career at the age of 24, when he took over the family’s billboard business after his father’s suicide in 1963. He bought his first television station in 1970, and in 1976 TBS became the nation’s first “superstation,” using satellite technology to carry its signal nationwide.

On June 1, 1980, CNN went live. It is now a global news operation available to more than 2 billion people in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

In 1996, Turner sold his broadcasting company to Time Warner Inc. for $7.34 billion. The next year, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations.

Turner revealed in 2018 he was living with Lewy body dementia — a common but little-known neurodegenerative disease. Lewy body dementias — which include Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia — are the second-most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III was born November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati. Turner, the media mogul who founded CNN and Turner Broadcasting System, celebrated his 76th birthday in November.
Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III was born in Cincinnati on November 19, 1938.
Turner Family Collection
Turner, seen here with his father at approximately 2 years old, was born to Florence and Robert Edward "Ed" Turner II. Ted Turner's father ran a billboard advertising business.
Turner, seen here with his father at approximately 2 years old, was born to Florence and Robert Edward "Ed" Turner II. Ted Turner's father ran a billboard advertising business.
Turner Family Collection
Turner spent time in the U.S. Coast Guard after he left Brown University. He attended the school, in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1957-1960.
Turner spent time in the US Coast Guard after he left Brown University. He attended Brown from 1957-1960.
Turner Family Collection
Turner married Judy Nye in 1960. The two had two children together -- Laura and Robert Edward IV -- before divorcing a few years later.
Turner married Judy Nye in 1960. The two had two children together — Laura and Robert Edward IV (aka Teddy) — before divorcing a few years later.
Turner Family Collection
Turner with his father, Ed, on his wedding day. Ed Turner committed suicide three years later, in March 1963.
Turner with his father, Ed, on his wedding day. Ed Turner committed suicide three years later, in March 1963.
Turner Family Collection
After his father's suicide, Turner took over the family business, Turner Advertising Co.
After his father's suicide, Turner took over the family business, Turner Advertising Co.
Turner Family Collection
Turner remarried in 1964, to Jane "Janie" Smith. The two had three children together — Beau, Rhett and Jennie — and were married for more than 20 years.
Turner remarried in 1964, to Jane "Janie" Smith. The two had three children together — Beau, Rhett and Jennie — and were married for more than 20 years.
Turner Family Collection
After turning the family business around and renaming it the Turner Communications Group, Turner purchased two independent UHF television stations — in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina — in 1970. He named them WTCG and WRET, after his company and himself. WTCG eventually became WTBS, television’s first “superstation." It used satellite technology to carry its signal nationwide.
After turning the family business around and renaming it the Turner Communications Group, Turner purchased two independent UHF television stations — in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina — in 1970. He named them WTCG and WRET, after his company and himself. WTCG eventually became WTBS, television’s first “superstation." It used satellite technology to carry its signal nationwide.
TBS
Turner is carried off by his sailing crew after they won the America's Cup, a prestigious sailing competition, in 1977.
Turner is carried off by his sailing crew after they won the America's Cup, a prestigious sailing competition, in 1977.
J. Walter Green/AP
The name of Turner's winning yacht, Courageous, is emblazoned on his sweater.
The name of Turner's winning yacht, Courageous, is emblazoned on his sweater.
TBS
Turner is photographed aboard Courageous while it was in dock in Rhode Island.
Turner is photographed aboard Courageous while it was in dock in Rhode Island.
UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Turner at an America's Cup news conference.
Turner attends an America's Cup news conference.
Courtesy Dan Nerney
Turner watches an Atlanta Braves baseball game with retired legend Hank Aaron in 1977. Turner purchased the Braves In 1976.
Turner watches an Atlanta Braves baseball game with retired legend Hank Aaron in 1977. Turner purchased the Braves In 1976.
Budd Skinner/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP
Turner cheers during an Atlanta Hawks basketball game in 1979. Turner bought the NBA team in 1977.
Turner cheers during an Atlanta Hawks basketball game in 1979. Turner bought the NBA team in 1977.
John Iacono/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Turner speaks outside of CNN's Techwood Campus as he promoted the launch of the 24-hour news network in 1980.
Turner speaks outside of CNN's Techwood Campus as he promoted the launch of the 24-hour news network in 1980.
R. Cotton Alston, Jr/CNN
Turner, right, talks on the set of an early CNN broadcast.
Turner, right, talks on the set of an early CNN broadcast.
TBS
Turner poses for a portrait in Atlanta in 1981.
Turner poses for a portrait in Atlanta in 1981.
Manny Rubio/USA Today Sports/Imagn Images
Turner stands next to the Atlanta Hawks' Tom McMillen before an NBA game in Atlanta in 1982.
Turner stands next to the Atlanta Hawks' Tom McMillen before an NBA game in Atlanta in 1982.
Ronald C. Modra/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Turner at his desk in 1985. The sign reads "Either Lead, Follow or Get Out of The Way."
Turner at his desk in 1985. The sign reads "Either Lead, Follow or Get Out of The Way."
TBS
Turner speaks to Braves manager Eddie Haas before a game in 1985.
Turner speaks to Braves manager Eddie Haas before a game in 1985.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Turner appears on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson in 1986.
Turner appears on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson in 1986.
NBCUniversal/Getty Images
Turner created the Goodwill Games, an international sports competition similar to the Olympics, in 1986. The first games took place in Moscow. After that, the event was held every few years until ending in 2001.
Turner created the Goodwill Games, an international sports competition similar to the Olympics, in 1986. The first games took place in Moscow. After that, the event was held every few years until ending in 2001.
TBS
In 1987, Turner acquired all television rights to the classic film "Gone With the Wind."
In 1987, Turner acquired all television rights to the classic film "Gone With the Wind."
TBS
Turner talks with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1989.
Turner talks with former President Jimmy Carter in 1989.
TBS
Turner and actress Jane Fonda arrive at the Academy Awards together in 1990. Turner had divorced his second wife a few years earlier.
Turner and actress Jane Fonda arrive at the Academy Awards together in 1990. Turner had divorced his second wife a few years earlier.
Hal Garb/AFP/Getty Images
Turner and Fonda were married in 1991.
Turner and Fonda were married in 1991.
Turner Family Collection
Turner was named Time magazine's "Man of the Year" in 1991.
Turner was named Time magazine's "Man of the Year" in 1991.
Time Magazine
Turner poses near a herd of bison at his 107,000-acre Flying D Ranch near Bozeman, Montana, Each of his ranches is a refuge for native species, especially his beloved bison. Turner said that when he was 10 years old, he read about how the American bison had come close to extinction. "I decided then that I would do what I could to help bring the bison back and preserve them," he said.
Turner poses near a herd of bison at his 107,000-acre Flying D Ranch near Bozeman, Montana, Each of his ranches is a refuge for native species, especially his beloved bison. Turner said that when he was 10 years old, he read about how the American bison had come close to extinction. "I decided then that I would do what I could to help bring the bison back and preserve them," he said.
Linda Best/Bozeman Daily Chronicle/AP
With help from Fred Flintstone and Yogi Bear, Turner launches the Cartoon Network on October 1, 1992.
With help from Fred Flintstone and Yogi Bear, Turner launches the Cartoon Network in 1992.
TBS
Turner and Fonda visit Rio de Janeiro in 1992. They were attending Global Forum events that were held parallel to the Earth Summit.
Turner and Fonda visit Rio de Janeiro in 1992. They were attending Global Forum events that were held parallel to the Earth Summit.
Eduardo Nunes/AP
Turner launches the Turner Classic Movies channel in 1994.
Turner launches the Turner Classic Movies channel in 1994.
Rick Maiman/Sygma/Getty Images
Turner stands behind President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1995. Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were meeting with Turner and other business leaders to discuss the Tech Corps and grants for technology in the classroom.
Turner stands behind President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1995. Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were meeting with Turner and other business leaders to discuss the Tech Corps and grants for technology in the classroom.
Mike Theiler/Reuters
Turner holds the Commissioner's Trophy after the Braves won the World Series in 1995.
Turner holds the Commissioner's Trophy after the Braves won the World Series in 1995.
Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images
In 1996, Turner sold his company to Time Warner for $7.34 billion. He became vice chairman after the merger.
In 1996, Turner sold his company to Time Warner for $7.34 billion. He became vice chairman after the merger.
TBS
Turner in his office in Atlanta in 1996.
Turner in his office in Atlanta in 1996.
Stringer/Reuters
Turner and Fonda take part in a Native American ceremony at Turner's Ladder Ranch in New Mexico in 1998.
Turner and Fonda take part in a Native American ceremony at Turner's Ladder Ranch in New Mexico in 1998.
William Campbell/Sygma/Getty Images
Turner and Denis Hayes, one of the founders of Earth Day, toss used videotapes into a pile for recycling at the CNN Center in Atlanta in 2000.
Turner and Denis Hayes, one of the founders of Earth Day, toss used videotapes into a pile for recycling at the CNN Center in Atlanta in 2000.
Ric Feld/AP
Turner, seen here in 2000, said his secret to success was “early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise."
Turner, seen here in 2000, said his secret to success was “early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise."
Michael Williamson/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Turner gave the US government $31 million to pay off a debt to the United Nations in 2001. Years earlier, Turner had donated $1 billion to the United Nations.
Turner gave the US government $31 million to pay off a debt to the United Nations in 2001. Years earlier, Turner had donated $1 billion to the United Nations.
United Nations Foundation
Turner, while being honored with a degree at Washington College, jokes while being presented with his sash in Chestertown, Maryland, in 2002.
Turner, while being honored with a degree at Washington College, jokes while being presented with his sash in Chestertown, Maryland, in 2002.
Don Wright/AP
Turner waits for his cameo in the 2003 film "Gods and Generals." He also financed the film, which was set during the Civil War.
Turner waits for his cameo in the 2003 film "Gods and Generals." He also financed the film, which was set during the Civil War.
Jean-Louis/Paris Match Archive/Getty Images
In 2004, Turner joined tens of thousands of women who were marching in Washington, DC, to support abortion rights and oppose the Bush administration's policies on family planning.
In 2004, Turner joined tens of thousands of women who were marching in Washington, DC, to support abortion rights and oppose the Bush administration's policies on family planning.
Stephen Jaffe/AFP/Getty Images
Turner walks the runway during a Dressed to Kilt charity event in New York in 2005.
Turner walks the runway during a Dressed to Kilt charity event in New York in 2005.
Stephen Lovekin/WireImage/Getty Images
Turner and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speak at a news conference at the United Nations in 2005. Turner was the recipient of the Alan Cranston Peace Award that year.
Turner and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speak at a news conference at the United Nations in 2005. Turner was the recipient of the Alan Cranston Peace Award that year.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Turner is applauded by CNN's Christiane Amanpour after a panel discussion at the CNN 25 World Report Conference in Atlanta in 2005.
Turner is applauded by CNN's Christiane Amanpour after a panel discussion at the CNN 25 World Report Conference in Atlanta in 2005.
Ric Feld/AP
Turner visits Muzaffarabad, a city in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, after it was hit by an earthquake in 2005.
Turner visits Muzaffarabad, a city in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, after it was hit by an earthquake in 2005.
Goran Tomasevic/Reuters
Turner prepares to deliver remarks at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, in 2006. Turner talked about his efforts at the United Nations, his philanthropy, the state of journalism and his perspective on a nuclear test that North Korea said it completed.
Turner prepares to deliver remarks at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, in 2006. Turner talked about his efforts at the United Nations, his philanthropy, the state of journalism and his perspective on a nuclear test that North Korea said it completed.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Turner and Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, lay a wreath of flowers as they visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.
Turner and Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, lay a wreath of flowers as they visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.
Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images
Turner sits in his home at Spanish Creek near Bozeman, Montana, in 2008.
Turner sits in his home at Spanish Creek near Bozeman, Montana, in 2008.
Erik Petersen/Bozeman Chronicle/AP
Turner rides a horse at his Flying D Ranch in Montana in 2011.
Turner rides a horse at his Flying D Ranch in Montana in 2011.
Elena Cizmaric
Turner was honored in Atlanta on July 21 for his contributions to the city and the world of news. A few blocks from CNN Center, Spring Street was renamed Ted Turner Drive.
A stretch of Atlanta's Spring Street, near the CNN Center, was renamed Ted Turner Drive in 2015.
Edward M. Pio Roda/CNN
Turner eats at a Ted's Montana Grill, next to CEO George McKerrow Jr., in 2016. They launched the restaurant chain in 2002 as part of their efforts to help save the bison.
Turner eats at a Ted's Montana Grill, next to CEO George McKerrow Jr., in 2016. They launched the restaurant chain in 2002 as part of their efforts to help save the bison.
Dustin Chambers/The New York Times/Redux
Turner walks at his Flying D Ranch in Montana in 2017.
Turner walks at his Flying D Ranch in Montana in 2017.
Morgan Rachel Levy/Redux
Turner walks on stage at the CNN Center as he and CNN were recognized with a historical marker in Atlanta in 2018.
Turner walks on stage at the CNN Center as he and CNN were recognized with a historical marker in Atlanta in 2018.
John Nowak/CNN
Turner is accompanied by Mimi Bean, left, and his granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Seydel at the 30th anniversary screening of the comedy movie "When Harry Met Sally" in Hollywood in 2019.
Turner is accompanied by Mimi Bean, left, and his granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Seydel at the 30th anniversary screening of the comedy movie "When Harry Met Sally" in Hollywood in 2019.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Turner poses for a photo with his family during his 85th birthday celebration in November 2023.
Turner poses for a photo with his family during his 85th birthday celebration in November 2023.
courtesy Turner Enterprises