The Man Who Made Cable Cool

The Man Who Made Cable Cool

Ted Turner placed a series of big bets on a nascent TV industry — and reshaped pop culture along the way.

From CNN to Cartoon Network: How Ted Turner Built a Media Empire That Changed TV Forever

Long before he became the loudest man in American media, Ted Turner was a lonely boy growing up under the shadow of a demanding father. Born Robert Edward Turner III in 1938, Turner spent much of his childhood moving between cities as his father expanded a billboard advertising business across the American South. His father, Ed Turner, was known for his explosive temper and relentless discipline. Ted would later describe him as both terrifying a…

The Mouth of The South: A Look At Ted Turner's Empire

Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty The Empire of Ted Turner: A Legacy of Media, Sports, and Entertainment Ted Turner, a name synonymous with innovation and audacity, is one of the most influential media moguls in history. From revolutionizing television to owning sports teams and even dabbling in professional wrestling, Turner, who died Wednesday at age 87, built an empire that is a testament to his visionary approach to business and entertainment…