Ted Turner, the visionary media mogul who founded CNN in 1980 and changed the news landscape forever, died on Wednesday at the age of 87. Known for his larger-than-life personality and grand ambitions, Turner was also a philanthropist, conservationist, yachtsman, and former owner of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. Yet, his most enduring legacy remains the creation of the first 24-hour cable news network, which brought world events into people's living rooms and spawned imitators like Fox News and MSNBC.
CNN's Impact and Imperfections
While CNN has often been criticized for descending into panel discussions and contentious debates to fill its relentless news cycle, it has consistently provided serious journalism with a global team of dedicated reporters. CNN's iconic journalist Christiane Amanpour paid tribute, stating, 'He was the original. He made us all strive for his vision of a better world.'
Threats to Turner's Vision
However, Turner's original vision is now under serious threat. CNN's parent company, Warner Bros Discovery, is set to come under new management following a merger with Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The Ellison family, known for their Trump-friendly stance, has already transformed CBS News into a diminished and politicized version of its former self. David Ellison has appointed Bari Weiss, a TV news novice with strong political leanings, as top editor, and a conservative policy expert as the newsroom ombudsman, raising fears that editorial independence at CNN will erode.
Turner himself opposed media consolidation, warning in a 2004 essay that 'when you lose small businesses, you lose big ideas.' He criticized the federal government for protecting monopolies that stifle competition. While some opposition to the takeover remains from state attorneys general and anti-monopoly lawmakers like Senator Elizabeth Warren, regulatory hurdles in the US and Europe could still block the deal.
A Call for Independence
If Turner could exert influence from beyond, he would likely fight to protect his brainchild. For now, those who value independent journalism must hope that CNN retains its editorial integrity and serves the public interest as its founder intended. Margaret Sullivan is a Guardian US columnist covering media, politics, and culture.
