The Fascinating Life Of Media Giant Ted Turner

He Launched the TBS and CNN Networks

turner55.jpg

Cynthia Johnson/Liaison Getty Images

After Ted was made chief executive of his father’s business, he worked hard to turn it into a profitable business. During the Vietnam War, it became the largest advertising company in the Southeast. Ted changed its name to Turner Communications Group and used profits from the company to buy radio and television stations.

Ted had big goals in mind when it came to television. In 1976 he launched Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS), which was the first “superstation” in the country to use satellite technology to carry its signal. A few years later in 1980, he launched the 24-hour all-news cable network CNN.

Ted’s been married three times, but one failed relationship, in particular, left him devastated.