In a notable tribute following the passing of Ted Turner, media magnate Rupert Murdoch lauded the CNN founder as an extraordinary American and a personal friend. This commendation comes despite the historical business rivalry between their respective news empires, Fox News and CNN. Murdoch highlighted Turner's pioneering spirit in launching CNN in 1980, acknowledging its transformative effect on the media industry and its role in providing global viewers with continuous news coverage. This sentiment was echoed by other leading figures in media, who recognized Turner's profound influence and innovative contributions to television and journalism.
Rupert Murdoch, now 95 and serving as chairman emeritus of Fox Corp., played a pivotal role in establishing Fox News in October 1996. This venture was conceptualized as a conservative alternative to CNN, marking a significant moment in the competitive landscape of cable news, which also saw the debut of MSNBC just months prior. Despite their network's fierce competition, Murdoch's statement underscores a deeper respect for Turner's groundbreaking achievements. His remarks painted Turner as a trailblazer whose vision indelibly shaped the cultural landscape, emphasizing a legacy that extends beyond corporate rivalries.
The widespread admiration for Turner was further evidenced by tributes from other media titans. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, praised Turner as a "visionary, a trailblazer, and a foundational force" behind many of WBD's current brands. Zaslav noted Turner's profound belief in the power of innovative ideas and in building platforms that could educate, inspire, and connect people globally. He asserted that Turner not only disrupted but fundamentally transformed the media industry, inspiring generations of leaders, including himself. Brian Roberts, chairman and co-CEO of Comcast, also shared his respect, recounting his fortune to have served on Turner's board early in his career and learning invaluable lessons from him. Roberts described Turner as a true pioneer and an exceptional philanthropist, whose impact remains profound and enduring.
Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN since October 2023, reflected on Turner's "incredibly visionary" nature and described him as a "unique figure." In an interview, Thompson emphasized Turner's monumental legacy, stating that current CNN employees stand on the shoulders of a giant. He frequently invokes Turner's name when addressing his colleagues, believing that Turner's spirit is precisely what contemporary media needs amidst numerous challenges and evolving audience demands for news. Thompson reiterated Turner’s core insight: the global public desires news on demand, whenever and wherever they need it, independent of traditional network scheduling constraints.
Mark Lazarus, CEO of Versant Media, which oversees MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), joined the chorus of praise, recognizing Ted Turner as one of those rare leaders who genuinely altered the trajectory of an entire industry. Lazarus recalled working alongside Turner, witnessing firsthand his readiness to take risks and his conviction that media could achieve a greater, more significant impact. Turner consistently encouraged those around him to challenge conventional thinking. His legacy, Lazarus concluded, lies not only in the institutions he created but also in his ability to inspire others to build. The media industry would benefit immensely, Lazarus suggested, if everyone could embrace their "inner Ted," ensuring his remembrance for generations to come.
The tributes from industry leaders like Rupert Murdoch, David Zaslav, Brian Roberts, Mark Thompson, and Mark Lazarus collectively paint a picture of Ted Turner as an unparalleled innovator whose foresight in creating CNN fundamentally altered the landscape of global news and television. His legacy is characterized by a commitment to bold ideas, an unwavering belief in media's power to inform and inspire, and a pioneering spirit that continues to influence the industry. Even among past rivals, there is a clear consensus on Turner's status as a transformative figure and a cherished friend to many.