Ted Turner Biography

Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III is a media tycoon and the founder of the first-ever 24-hour cable news network, CNN. He is also credited with founding the independent television station WTBS, which pioneered the concept of the superstation in cable television. The successful businessman made an early entry into the world of business. As the son of a father who owned an advertising company, he started helping with his father’s business from a young age. Although his father was a successful businessman who provided well for his family, he suffered from bipolar disorder and was known to have extreme mood swings. Despite being financially secure, young Ted had a difficult life. His father was physically abusive and ultimately committed suicide when Ted was 24. After his father’s death, he took over the business and immersed himself in work to cope with his grief. His efforts paid off, and soon the business started earning significant profits. He went on to acquire several other businesses and started the Turner Broadcasting System. He later founded CNN, the first all-news television channel in the United States. The business mogul is also well known for his philanthropic activities, including donating $1 billion to the United Nations, which was used to create the United Nations Foundation.