CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies at 87

Ted Turner, the outspoken media mogul who revolutionized television journalism by creating CNN and became a familiar figure in Long Beach sailing and philanthropy circles, died May 6 at the age of 87.

Widely known by the nicknames “Mouth of the South” and “Captain Outrageous,” Turner leaves behind a global media legacy intertwined with decades of involvement in Long Beach through sailing, theater and charitable fundraising efforts.

In a statement following Turner’s passing, CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson called Turner “an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless, and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgment.”

“He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN,” Thompson said. “Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”

Turner transformed journalism in 1980 when he launched CNN, introducing continuous live news coverage at a time when many critics believed a 24-hour news channel would fail. His ambition reshaped global media and eventually expanded into a broadcasting empire that included TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies.

Yet Turner’s connection to Long Beach extended far beyond television.

For decades, Turner remained associated with the Long Beach Yacht Club and the internationally recognized Congressional Cup. Already one of sailing’s biggest personalities following his 1977 America’s Cup victory aboard Courageous, Turner became known throughout the sailing community for his fiery competitiveness and larger-than-life demeanor.

His outspoken personality helped earn him the nickname “Mouth of the South,” while his aggressive racing style cemented the legendary “Captain Outrageous” moniker throughout professional sailing circles.

Long Beach also became part of Turner’s story in a more reflective way in 2025 when the Long Beach Playhouse staged Ted Turner and the Last Roundup, a production centered on Turner’s life, accomplishments and battle with Lewy body dementia. The play offered audiences a deeply personal portrayal of the media pioneer’s later years and further tied Turner’s legacy to the city’s cultural landscape.

Beyond media and sailing, Turner also became involved in Long Beach philanthropic efforts through Rotary International’s campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. Turner helped support fundraising efforts connected to Rotary’s PolioPlus initiative alongside Long Beach Rotary members. In May 1988, Turner participated in a Long Beach Rotary fundraiser that helped the club raise nearly $300,000 for PolioPlus.

“The Rotary Foundation also funds ‘PolioPlus,’ which has nearly attained its goal of eradicating polio from the world,” Rotary stated in 1999. “Rotary is the key private partner, committing more than $430 million and member volunteers at immunization sites.”

Turner’s philanthropy stretched globally as well. In 1998, he pledged $1 billion to establish the United Nations Foundation, one of the largest charitable donations in history at the time.

Despite his immense success, Turner remained known for blunt and memorable remarks that reflected both his confidence and unpredictability. “If I only had a little humility, I’d be perfect,” Turner once joked.

For many in Long Beach, however, Turner’s lasting image may not solely be that of a billionaire media executive, but rather a charismatic sailor and philanthropist whose presence touched the city’s harbor, charitable organizations and artistic community for decades.

From changing how the world consumed breaking news to helping Long Beach Rotary raise funds to combat polio, Ted Turner’s impact reached far beyond the television screen.