Ted Turner Death: Read Davis Zaslav’s Lament On CNN Founder’s Passing

UPDATE, with Rupert Murdoch statement: The death of Ted Turner today has left David Zaslav reflecting on the power of media and who owns what.

“He believed deeply in the power of ideas, in doing things differently and in building platforms that could inform, inspire and connect people around the world,” the Warner Bros Discovery CEO told staff today as news of Truner’s passing at 87 became public. “That belief inspired generations of leaders, myself included. He did not just disrupt media. He transformed it.”

Pointing to a sit-down with the rarely seen Tuner a few years ago, Zaslav Wednesday added: “One of the moments I reflect on most often was meeting with Ted in Washington, D.C., following the close of the WarnerMedia and Discovery merger in April 2022. We talked about the opportunities and challenges ahead, the responsibility that comes with stewarding these extraordinary brands and the need to keep innovating in a constantly changing world. I think about that conversation often.”

Soon likely to be under the Pete Hegseth anticipated stewardship of David Ellison and Paramount Skydance if their $111 billion acquisition of WBD goes through, CNN became part of WB in 1996. It was 30 years ago when Time Warner purchased the 1980 created cable newser’s parent company Turner Broadcasting. That deal made Ted Turner one of the largest shareholders in the corporation that has gone through many owners since and soon.

Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, Fox Corporation, also released a statement, praising Turner’s “vision.”

“Ted Turner’s vision for 24-hour cable news transformed the media industry and gave viewers everywhere a front seat to witness history unfold,” Murdoch notes. “His impact as a trailblazer has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. He was a great American and friend.”

Read Zaslav’s full memo on Turner’s death to WBD staff this morning here:

Team,

As many of you know, we lost Ted Turner today. Ted was a visionary, a trailblazer, and a foundational force behind many of the brands that are central to Warner Bros. Discovery today.

Ted’s entrepreneurial spirit, creative ambition and willingness to take risks changed the media industry forever. He believed deeply in the power of ideas, in doing things differently and in building platforms that could inform, inspire and connect people around the world. That belief inspired generations of leaders, myself included. He did not just disrupt media. He transformed it.

In 1980, many questioned the logic of launching CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. Ted believed the world deserved access to news as it happened, and he acted on that conviction. CNN fundamentally changed how the world experiences history in real time, and its impact on journalism continues to be felt every day through the work of our teams.

With the launch of TNT in 1988, and through the sports legacy he built across Turner Sports, he helped redefine sports television and created a platform that brought iconic moments into millions of homes. In founding Turner Classic Movies in 1994, Ted ensured that great films and the history of cinema would be preserved and celebrated. TCM stands as a testament to his belief that great storytelling has no expiration date, and that honoring the past is essential to shaping the future.

One of the moments I reflect on most often was meeting with Ted in Washington, D.C., following the close of the WarnerMedia and Discovery merger in April 2022. We talked about the opportunities and challenges ahead, the responsibility that comes with stewarding these extraordinary brands and the need to keep innovating in a constantly changing world. I think about that conversation often.

Ted’s influence is woven throughout Warner Bros. Discovery. The brands he built and championed remain central to who we are, and they continue to reflect his belief in creative risk, cultural impact and global reach. Through CNN, TCM, Turner Sports and across our portfolio, his vision remains present in the work our teams do every day.

Beyond media, Ted was a committed philanthropist who believed success should serve a broader purpose. He cared about journalism, culture, the environment and future generations, and he acted on those values throughout his life.

On behalf of our entire company, we extend our deepest condolences to Ted’s family and to the many colleagues and partners whose lives and careers were shaped by his vision. It is our responsibility to honor and carry forward the legacy he built.

Ted Turner changed our industry forever. I’m grateful for his courage, his imagination and the lasting mark he leaves on Warner Bros. Discovery and the world.

David