Ted Turner, the visionary behind CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news channel, has passed away at the age of 87.

Turner was widely recognized for his commitment to environmental issues, philanthropy, and contributions to the United Nations.

He was married to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 until their divorce in 2001 and had a well-documented rivalry with fellow media tycoon Rupert Murdoch.

Turner, who revolutionized news broadcasting with CNN’s launch in 1980, died as confirmed by Turner Enterprises and CNN on Wednesday morning, according to U.S. time.

Born in Ohio, Turner not only established CNN but also founded several other significant television channels, including TBS and Cartoon Network.

His legacy includes a strong emphasis on environmentalism and philanthropy, as well as significant support for the United Nations.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, he was often referred to by nicknames such as “Captain Outrageous,” “Terrible Ted,” and “Mouth of the South.”

In reaction to his passing, former U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Turner as “one of the greats of all time” and a “friend,” praising his readiness to support noble causes.

Turner achieved billionaire status by taking over his father’s billboard company and purchasing a television station in 1970, which became the foundation for a groundbreaking broadcasting empire.

His initial venture, Turner Broadcasting System (later known as TBS), was successful due to its low-cost 24-hour programming model.

He invested the profits from TBS into launching CNN, which transformed American television news and later expanded its influence internationally.

Turner pledged that CNN would provide an alternative to what he termed the “sleazy” reporting of the major American networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC.

Despite skepticism that branded CNN as the “Chicken Noodle Network,” he attracted journalists and technical staff who were eager for adventure and innovation.

As the first 24-hour news channel, CNN set a new standard for global news coverage during significant events, including wars, trials, and natural disasters.

The network’s profile soared during the Gulf War of 1990-1991, paving the way for the emergence of competing news channels.

In a 2013 interview with CNN, he famously stated, “Barring satellite problems, we won’t be signing off until the world ends.”

Turner expressed dissatisfaction with CNN’s focus on politics in a 2018 interview, stating he rarely watched the network he had founded.

In 1991, Time magazine honored him as Man of the Year for his influence on global events and for turning viewers in 150 countries into immediate witnesses of history.

He supported the merger of Time Warner with AOL in 2001, a deal valued at $99 billion, but lost his role overseeing the cable networks he had built and faced substantial financial losses as the company’s stock value dropped.

He resigned as vice chairman in 2003 and stepped down from the Time Warner board three years later.

Turner openly discussed his struggles with depression and his thoughts on suicide, as noted by his biographer.

His rivalry with Rupert Murdoch, an Australian media magnate who later founded Fox News, intensified after a yachting incident in 1983 when a yacht sponsored by Murdoch collided with Turner’s, resulting in the sinking of Turner’s vessel.

In the wake of the incident, Turner challenged Murdoch to a physical confrontation, and their rivalry continued to unfold in the media landscape.

Turner was known to criticize Murdoch, labeling him a warmonger and comparing him to Adolf Hitler.

Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati on November 19, 1938, he moved to the South with his family at the age of nine and attended military schools, where he excelled as a debater and yachtsman.

In his youth, Turner gained a reputation for his candidness and love for revelry, famously stating, “I say what comes to my mind.”

Turner was a strong advocate for the United Nations and dedicated significant resources to charitable causes and environmental conservation.

In 1997, he made headlines by pledging $1 billion to support United Nations initiatives. He later described this commitment as “the best investment I’ve ever made.”

Through his Turner Foundation, he contributed millions to environmental organizations and was an advocate for clean energy solutions.

Turner became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, owning over 1.9 million acres across six states, primarily in Montana, where he spent considerable time.

He raised a herd of approximately 50,000 bison, which supplied a restaurant chain he established in 2002, Ted’s Montana Grill, and also owned ranches in Patagonia, Argentina.

In September 2018, Turner disclosed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition.

He had been married and divorced three times and was the father of five children. His marriage to Jane Fonda lasted for a decade before ending in 2001.