Ted Turner, former Braves owner, media mogul, dies at 87

Ted Turner, former owner Atlanta Braves And the hawk Turner, who made his mark as a media mogul and philanthropist, died at age 87, according to a release from Turner Enterprises on Wednesday.

Turner revealed in September 2018 that he was battling Lewy body dementia, a disorder that causes a progressive decline in mental abilities with physical signs and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Turner made his fortune in media, taking over the family business and renaming it Turner Communications Group in 1970. He started his empire by purchasing two stations in Atlanta and Charlotte.

In 1976, he launched TBS to millions across America, as the station’s signal was carried via satellite. Four years later, he expanded his reach by creating the 24-hour cable news network CNN. TNT, created in 1988, increased Turner’s footprint on the media landscape.

Turner bought the Braves in January 1976 after the club’s 67-94 season, saying at a press conference: “I don’t want to see Atlanta called ‘Loserville USA,’ I want to see Winnersville USA,'” He managed the club once for one day — May 11, 1977 — and the Braves won 519 World Series.

In addition to owning the Braves, Turner purchased a majority stake in the Hawks in 1977. He said at the time that he bought the team to keep it from moving out of the Atlanta area. The Hawks made the playoffs 15 times under Turner’s ownership, and in 2004 the club retired a jersey in his honor.

Time Warner took over ownership of the Braves and Hawks in 1996 when Turner sold his business to them. A year later, TBS became owners of the NHL expansion Thrashers, who relocated and became Winnipeg Jets In 2011.

In 1986, Turner created the Goodwill Games, an international sports competition held every four years; The event ran until 2000. Turner was also an accomplished yachtsman. As captain of Brave Yachts, he defended the America’s Cup in 1977, defeating Australia 4-0.

Turner focused on philanthropy later in life. In 1997, he pledged $1 billion to benefit the United Nations. Turner was also committed to The Giving Pledge, a pledge by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the bulk of their wealth to giving back.

“Ted was a deeply involved and committed leader, fearless, fearless and always willing to back a corner and trust his own judgment,” CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson said in a statement. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. 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 is survived by her five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.