Ted Turner is an American media mogul. As a businessperson, he is known as founder of the cable news network CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel. In addition, he founded WTBS, a pioneer in the superstation concept in cable television. As a philanthropist, he is known for his $1 billion gift to support the United Nations, which created the United Nations Foundation. Turner is a Chairman of the United Nations Foundation board of directors.
Background
Turner was born in 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, the son of Florence (née Rooney) and Robert Edward Turner II, a billboard magnate. When he was nine, his family moved to Savannah, Georgia. He attended The McCallie School, a private boys' preparatory school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Turner attended Brown University and was vice-president of the Brown Debating Union and captain of the sailing team. He became a member of Kappa Sigma. Turner initially majored in Classics. Turner's father wrote saying that his choice made him "appalled, even horrified," and that he "almost puked." Turner later changed his major to Economics, but before receiving a diploma, he was expelled for having a female student in his dormitory room. Turner was awarded an honorary B.A. from Brown University in November 1989 when he returned to campus to keynote the National Association of College Broadcasters second annual conference.
Education
Brown University.
Career
Chairman Board and President Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. President Atlanta Braves since 1976. Chairman Board Atlanta Hawks since 1977. Sponsor, creator, The Goodwill Games, Moscow7 1986.
Religion
Calls himself "an atheist at heart".
Politics
Turner said of Iran's nuclear position: "They're a sovereign state. We have 28,000. Why can't they have 10? We don't say anything about Israel — they've got 100 of them approximately — or India or Pakistan or Russia."
Connections
Married 1st Judy Nye (divorced), one son one. Married 2nd Jane S. Smith in 1964 (divorced), two son one daughter. Married 3rd Jane Fonda in 1990.