Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1476

Image: LBJ Library from Austin | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ted Turner

CEO, Cable television

UNITED STATES

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.787B

Estimated based on Cable television stock value as of March 6, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Cable television

Industry

Media & Entertainment

Citizenship

UNITED STATES

Biography

Ted Turner is an American media mogul, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born Robert Edward Turner III on November 19, 1938, Turner is best known for founding the Cable News Network (CNN), revolutionizing the news industry with its 24-hour coverage. His wealth stems primarily from cable television, and he has been a significant force in the media-entertainment industry. Over his career, Turner built a media empire that included TBS and TNT, and he has also made a substantial impact through his philanthropic endeavors, including a $1 billion pledge to the United Nations. Turner is also a major landowner in the United States, owning approximately 2 million acres.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Robert Edward Turner III, known as Ted Turner, was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father owned Turner Advertising, a billboard company. Turner attended Brown University but was expelled before graduating.

Rise to Success

Turner took over his father's advertising business in 1963 and renamed it Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). In 1970, he entered the television industry by acquiring an Atlanta UHF station. Turner's purchase of the Atlanta Braves in 1976 and the launch of TBS Superstation marked major milestones. In 1980, he founded CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network.

Key Business Strategies

Turner's business acumen involved strategic acquisitions and innovative programming. He pioneered the "superstation" concept and expanded his media holdings to include TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. He acquired the MGM film library, which provided valuable content. His focus on cable television and the creation of CNN were revolutionary.

Philanthropy

Ted Turner is a significant philanthropist, noted for his $1 billion donation to create the United Nations Foundation. He has also supported environmental causes through the Turner Foundation and the Turner Endangered Species Fund.

Career Milestones

1963

Took over Turner Advertising

Became president and CEO after his father's suicide.

1970

Entered Television

Acquired Atlanta UHF station channel 17.

1976

Purchased Atlanta Braves

Acquired Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves and launched TBS Superstation.

1980

Launched CNN

Founded CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network.

1996

Sold Turner Broadcasting to Time Warner

Turner Broadcasting System merged with Time Warner for $7.3 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

International Aid

United Nations Foundation

$1B

Established the United Nations Foundation with a $1 billion pledge.

Environmental Conservation

Turner Foundation

$380M+

Supports environmental and societal issues.

Global Security

Nuclear Threat Initiative

Unknown

Co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative to reduce global reliance on and prevent the proliferation of weapons.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise." "

""I'm putting every rich person in the world on notice. They're going to be hearing from me about giving money away. If you want to lead, you got to get out front and lead — you got to blow the horn and get out in front of the parade.""

Leadership Principles

Visionary Leadership

Turner's foresight in identifying and capitalizing on the potential of cable television, particularly with CNN.

Risk-Taking

Turner was not afraid to take risks, like the launch of CNN, which was initially considered a long shot.

Philanthropy

Turner's commitment to giving back to society, illustrated by his substantial donations to the UN Foundation and other causes.

Strategic Acquisitions

Turner’s ability to strategically acquire assets, such as the Atlanta Braves and MGM's film library, to build his media empire.

Controversies & Challenges

1977

MLB Suspension

Suspended by MLB for attempting to sign a free agent player.

2002

Accusation Against Israel

Accused Israel of terrorism.

2003

Resignation from AOL Time Warner

Resigned from AOL Time Warner after the merger of Time Warner and AOL.

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