Ted Turner

Definition

Ted Turner is a prominent American media mogul best known for founding CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, which revolutionized television news broadcasting. His innovative approach to cable television not only transformed how news was consumed but also played a pivotal role in the growth of the cable industry, significantly impacting both entertainment and information dissemination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ted Turner launched CNN on June 1, 1980, fundamentally changing how news was reported and consumed globally.
2. He was also instrumental in creating other networks under Turner Broadcasting, such as TNT and Cartoon Network, expanding the variety of content available on cable TV.
3. Turner is known for his commitment to philanthropy, including significant donations to environmental causes and global health initiatives through the Turner Foundation.
4. He pioneered the concept of 'superstation' by turning his Atlanta-based station WTBS into a national cable channel, which allowed viewers across the country to access local programming.
5. Turner's influence extended beyond television; he was a significant player in the sports industry, owning teams like the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks.

Review Questions

• How did Ted Turner’s founding of CNN alter the landscape of television news?
  • Ted Turner’s establishment of CNN in 1980 introduced the concept of continuous news coverage, allowing viewers to access breaking news at any time. This innovation changed how news was reported, leading to a demand for real-time information and an expectation for immediate coverage of events. CNN's success not only influenced other networks to adopt similar formats but also set a precedent for the rise of cable news channels globally.
• Evaluate the impact of Ted Turner's business strategies on the growth of cable television during the late 20th century.
  • Ted Turner's business strategies significantly propelled the growth of cable television by introducing innovative programming models and marketing approaches. His creation of CNN established a blueprint for 24-hour news coverage that encouraged other networks to diversify their offerings. Additionally, his development of WTBS into a superstation allowed local content to reach national audiences, increasing subscriber numbers and leading to a surge in cable viewership during that era.
• Assess how Ted Turner's contributions to media and philanthropy have shaped contemporary society.
  • Ted Turner's contributions have had a lasting impact on both media and societal issues through his pioneering work in television and his philanthropic efforts. By revolutionizing news broadcasting with CNN, he changed public expectations around information access. Additionally, his philanthropic initiatives through the Turner Foundation have addressed critical issues such as environmental conservation and global health. This dual legacy showcases how media moguls can influence not only entertainment but also social change.

Related terms

CNN: Cable News Network, founded by Ted Turner in 1980, was the first news channel to provide 24-hour coverage, changing the landscape of news broadcasting.

Turner Broadcasting System: The company founded by Ted Turner that initially included CNN and later expanded to incorporate other channels like TNT and TBS, significantly influencing cable television.

Cable Television: A system of delivering television programming via coaxial or fiber-optic cables, which became widely popular in the late 20th century, largely due to innovations by figures like Ted Turner.