Ted Turner is one of the most impactful media figures of the 20th century. Best known as the founder of CNN and a pioneer of 24-hour cable news, Turner built a legacy that reshaped modern media. His name is tied to innovation, philanthropy, and bold entrepreneurship. As years have passed and his public appearances have become less frequent, many have asked: Is Ted Turner still alive?
The answer is yes—Ted Turner is alive as of 2025. Now 86 years old, he remains a living symbol of the cable television revolution. While he has stepped back from public life due to health concerns, his contributions to media, environmental causes, and global philanthropy continue to influence generations.
Early Life: The Foundations of a Visionary
Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Raised in Savannah, Georgia, Turner was an intelligent and ambitious child. He attended Brown University, where he studied classics and economics. Although he was expelled for having a female student in his dorm room, Turner later received an honorary degree for his contributions to business and society.
After his father’s death in 1963, Turner took over the family’s billboard advertising business. Under his leadership, Turner Advertising Company expanded significantly. But he wasn’t content with traditional business models. He wanted to do something bigger—something disruptive.
Creating a Media Empire: From UHF to CNN
In the early 1970s, Turner purchased a struggling UHF television station in Atlanta. He rebranded it as WTBS, which became the first “superstation” to be broadcast nationwide via satellite. This groundbreaking strategy made Turner a media innovator.
His most transformative achievement came in 1980 with the launch of CNN (Cable News Network)—the first 24-hour television news channel. Skeptics doubted that there would be enough news to fill an entire day, but Turner proved them wrong. CNN gained credibility for its real-time coverage of major events, especially during the Gulf War in 1991.
Turner didn’t stop there. He also launched TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies, further expanding his influence in entertainment and news. By the 1990s, Turner Broadcasting was a powerhouse in global media.
Business Deals and Departure from CNN
In 1996, Ted Turner merged Turner Broadcasting System with Time Warner in one of the largest media consolidations of the decade. Although he initially remained an executive, his role diminished after Time Warner was acquired by AOL in 2000.
Disappointed by how his vision for CNN was diluted under corporate management, Turner eventually stepped away from the media spotlight. Despite no longer being in control of CNN, he frequently voiced his concerns about the direction cable news was taking and remained critical of sensationalism in journalism.
His departure marked the end of an era, but his legacy in shaping modern news was already cemented.
Health Status: A Battle With Lewy Body Dementia
In 2018, Ted Turner publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, cognition, and motor functions. He described the condition as being similar to Alzheimer’s but with additional symptoms such as tremors and confusion.
Turner’s diagnosis led him to reduce public engagements significantly. However, he has not disappeared entirely from public view. His team has confirmed that he continues to live comfortably with support from medical professionals and family members.
In early 2025, Turner was briefly hospitalized with pneumonia but made a successful recovery. He is currently residing in a private facility and receiving continued care.
Personal Life and Family Relationships
Ted Turner has been married three times, most notably to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 to 2001. Despite their eventual divorce, they have spoken respectfully of each other in interviews.
He is the father of five children and has often expressed the importance of passing on not just wealth but values. His children have taken active roles in various philanthropic and environmental initiatives, continuing the legacy their father began.
Turner has also spoken openly about his regrets, particularly about not spending more time with his family during his busiest business years. In later life, he has focused more on building deeper family connections.
Philanthropy: A Legacy of Giving
Turner is not just a business mogul—he is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists. In 1997, he made headlines by donating $1 billion to the United Nations, establishing the United Nations Foundation. The donation remains one of the largest ever made by a private individual to an international institution.
He also founded the Turner Foundation, which supports efforts in population control, women’s health, and environmental sustainability. In addition, he launched the Turner Endangered Species Fund to protect biodiversity and promote conservation science.
As one of the largest private landowners in the United States, Turner has used his properties to test and promote sustainable ranching and wildlife preservation methods.
Environmental Advocacy and Land Ownership
Ted Turner owns over two million acres of land in the United States. His holdings include vast ranches in Montana, New Mexico, and Nebraska. On these lands, he has implemented conservation techniques, restored native wildlife populations, and created models for sustainable agriculture.
His dedication to environmental causes is rooted in a belief that humans must live in harmony with nature. Turner has repeatedly urged business leaders to take environmental responsibility seriously and has argued for policy changes to address climate change.
His work in this field has inspired new generations of environmental activists and continues to have real impact through land stewardship and education.
Public Appearances and Media Engagements
Although Turner has scaled back public appearances due to his health, he remains a respected figure in the media and philanthropic communities. In 2024, he participated remotely in the premiere of a new documentary, “Call Me Ted,” based on his memoir.
The film explored his entrepreneurial journey, his personal struggles, and his bold vision for global news. It received praise for offering a nuanced portrait of a man who changed the way the world consumes information.
Even from a distance, Turner’s presence continues to command attention and admiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ted Turner still alive in 2025?
Yes, Ted Turner is alive as of 2025 and is currently recovering in a private care facility following a bout of pneumonia.
What illness does Ted Turner have?
Turner was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018, a progressive brain disorder that affects movement, memory, and cognition.
Is Ted Turner still involved in business?
While he is no longer active in daily operations, Turner continues to support his philanthropic organizations and initiatives through his foundation.
What is Ted Turner most famous for?
He is best known for founding CNN, the first 24-hour news network, and for his environmental and humanitarian philanthropy.
How has Ted Turner contributed to environmental causes?
Through the Turner Foundation and the Turner Endangered Species Fund, he has supported conservation, sustainable ranching, and biodiversity protection.
Conclusion
Ted Turner is still alive in 2025 and remains one of the most impactful media moguls and philanthropists of the modern era. His health has limited his public activity, but his influence is felt globally through his groundbreaking work in media and his extraordinary contributions to humanitarian and environmental causes.
Turner’s legacy is one of vision, risk-taking, and commitment to improving the world. Whether through news, land conservation, or global giving, he continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs, activists, and global citizens. The man who once challenged the limits of television continues to challenge how we think about leadership, responsibility, and legacy.