Ted Turner

$2.79 B

Ranked #1469 in World

About Ted Turner

Ted Turner, the renowned media mogul, philanthropist, and environmentalist, was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Raised in Savannah, Georgia, he attended The McCallie School before studying at Brown University, where he excelled as vice-president of the Brown Debating Union and captain of the sailing team. Turner inherited his father's billboard business and transformed it into a global enterprise, founding Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and launching Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel. He also made significant contributions to philanthropy and environmentalism, establishing the United Nations Foundation and co-founding the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Despite controversial statements, Turner received numerous awards and honors for his media contributions and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He is a supporter of healthcare reform and universal healthcare, and his company, Turner Enterprises, is known for its sustainable land management practices. Turner's legacy as an industry pioneer is widely recognized, and he continues to make an impact through his philanthropic efforts.

Born

November 19, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.

Age

87 years

Source Of Wealth

Cable Television

Industries

Media & Entertainment

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Atlanta, Georgia

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Brown University

Spouse

Julia Gale Nye (Married: 1960; Divorced: 1964), Jane Shirley Smith (Married: 1965; Divorced: 1988), Jane Fonda (Married: 1991; Divorced: 2001)

Children

Ted Turner, the renowned media mogul, philanthropist, and environmentalist, was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised in Savannah, Georgia, where he attended The McCallie School. Turner demonstrated a passion for sailing from an early age and competed in sailing competitions at the Savannah Yacht Club at age 26. He even competed in the Olympic trials in 1964.

Turner went on to attend Brown University, where he served as vice-president of the Brown Debating Union and captained the sailing team. However, his academic journey was cut short when he was expelled from Brown for having a female student in his dormitory room.

Ted Turner: Family

Ted Turner has been married and divorced three times. His first marriage was to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964, followed by Jane Shirley Smith from 1965 to 1988. His third marriage was to actress Jane Fonda, which lasted from 1991 to 2001. Turner has five children from these marriages.

Turner's son, Robert Edward "Teddy" Turner IV, made headlines when he ran for the South Carolina Republican primary in 2013 but came in fourth.

Ted Turner: Career Highlights

Turner inherited his father's billboard business, Turner Outdoor Advertising, and transformed it into a global enterprise. His journey in the media industry took a significant turn when he purchased an Atlanta UHF station in 1970 and launched Turner Broadcasting System (TBS).

In 1980, Turner made history by founding Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel. This groundbreaking venture revolutionized the way news was delivered and consumed.

Turner's acquisition of MGM/UA Entertainment Co. in 1986 granted him access to an extensive film and television library. He further expanded his media empire by launching Turner Network Television (TNT) in 1988 and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in 1994.

Turner's media empire reached new heights when Turner Broadcasting System merged with Time Warner in 1996.

Ted Turner: Companies

Ted Turner's entrepreneurial ventures include:

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS)
Cable News Network (CNN)
Turner Network Television (TNT)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Turner Enterprises, Inc.
(TEI)

Ted Turner: Major Achievements

Turner's contributions to the media industry are remarkable. He is credited with transforming the cable industry and popularizing the concept of 24-hour news broadcasting. His vision and determination led to the creation of several successful cable networks that continue to shape the media landscape.

Turner's philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy. He established the United Nations Foundation with a $1 billion donation and co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative with US Senator Sam Nunn. His dedication to environmental causes led him to become the largest private landowner in the United States.

Ted Turner: Awards & Achievements

Turner's exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Turner's commitment to philanthropy and environmentalism earned him the Georgia Trustee award in 2010. He was also honored by the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011 for his sailing accomplishments.

Ted Turner: Personal Life & Legacy

Ted Turner's personal life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. He has openly discussed his struggles with mental illness and his use of lithium. Turner's autobiography, "Call Me Ted," published in 2008, provides insights into his career and personal journey.

Turner's legacy is one of innovation, philanthropy, and environmental stewardship. He is remembered as a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the media industry and made significant contributions to society through his charitable endeavors.

Ted Turner: Trivia

Turner earned the nicknames "The Mouth of the South" and "Captain Outrageous" for his outspoken and controversial remarks.
He is known for his support of healthcare reform and universal healthcare, as well as his concerns about environmental issues and population growth.
Turner joined Warren Buffett's and Bill Gates's The Giving Pledge in 2010, committing to donate the majority of his fortune to charity upon his death.

He sponsors the public forum debate of the National Speech and Debate Association.
Turner revealed his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning in 2018.

Wealth History

Timeline

November 19, 1938

Ted Turner is born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1970

Ted Turner purchases an Atlanta UHF station and launches Turner Broadcasting System (TBS).

1980

Ted Turner founds Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel.

1986

Ted Turner acquires MGM/UA Entertainment Co., gaining access to a vast film and television library.

1988

Ted Turner launches Turner Network Television (TNT).

1991

Ted Turner marries actress Jane Fonda.

1993

Ted Turner is inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

1994

Ted Turner launches Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

1996

Turner Broadcasting System merges with Time Warner.

2001

Ted Turner and Jane Fonda divorce.

2008

Ted Turner writes his autobiography, 'Call Me Ted'.

2010

Ted Turner joins Warren Buffett's and Bill Gates's The Giving Pledge, vowing to donate the majority of his fortune to charity upon his death.

2011

Ted Turner is inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

2013

Ted Turner's son, Robert Edward 'Teddy' Turner IV, runs for the South Carolina Republican primary but comes in 4th.

2018

Ted Turner reveals he is suffering from Lewy body dementia in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

Ted Turner : FAQs

What is Ted Turner's current net worth?

Ted Turner's current net worth is $2.79 billion.

What is Ted Turner's current global rank among billionaires?

Ted Turner holds the 1469th position globally among billionaires.

What is Ted Turner's current ranking within the United States?

Ted Turner holds the 521st position in United States.

What was the change in Ted Turner's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ted Turner's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.79 billion dollars.

What are Ted Turner's main sources of wealth?

Ted Turner's main source of income comes from Cable Television.

In which industry does Ted Turner primarily operate?

Ted Turner is primarily involved in the Media & Entertainment industry.

What is Ted Turner educational background?

Ted Turner holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Brown University.

How old is Ted Turner?

Ted Turner is 87 years old.

How many children does Ted Turner have?

Ted Turner has 5 children.

When was Ted Turner born?

Ted Turner was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Where did Ted Turner attend school?

Ted Turner attended The McCallie School in Savannah, Georgia, and later Brown University.

What major contributions did Ted Turner make to media?

Ted Turner inherited his father's billboard business and turned it into a global enterprise. He also founded Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), Cable News Network (CNN), Turner Network Television (TNT), and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). He also acquired MGM/UA Entertainment Co. and merged Turner Broadcasting System with Time Warner.

What are some of Ted Turner's philanthropic endeavors?

Ted Turner established the United Nations Foundation, co-founded the Nuclear Threat Initiative, and devoted assets to environmental causes. He also created the environmental-themed animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

What are some notable accomplishments of Ted Turner's sailing career?

Ted Turner competed in sailing competitions, including the America's Cup. He successfully defended the America's Cup in 1977 and was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame and the National Sailing Hall of Fame.