Robert Edward 'Ted' Turner III is an American businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder of CNN, TBS (Turner Broadcasting System), and a major philanthropist. His career is rooted in media, advertising, and entrepreneurial audacity.

Turner was expelled from Brown University before completing his degree. His philosophical approach centers on disruption, political advocacy, and long-term commitment to independent news and global communication (pioneering the 24-hour news format). His structural contribution is immense: shaping the modern cable television landscape and driving the consolidation of global media.

• Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) (Former Founder & CEO): The foundational source of his wealth, the major cable network conglomerate (sold to Time Warner for $7.8 billion in 1996).
• Media Pioneer: His success is built on scale broadcasting and dominating the domestic market for cable news and entertainment content (founding CNN).
• Philanthropy Apex: He pledged $1 billion to the United Nations (UN), creating the United Nations Foundation.
• Sports Ownership: He formerly owned the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and the Atlanta Hawks (NBA).

Ted Turner's strategic genius was his commitment to risk and innovation. He took over his father's billboard company after his death in 1963. His structural contribution is immense: pioneering the cable television network model by launching TBS (the first SuperStation) and CNN (1980)—the world's first 24-hour news channel—which transformed global journalism.

The pinnacle of his financial career was the $7.8 billion sale of TBS to Time Warner in 1996. Following the sale, he dedicated himself to philanthropy, notably pledging $1 billion to the UN (the United Nations Foundation). His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, stable profitability of his media IP, land holdings, and investments.

Ted Turner's social impact is monumental, stemming from CNN's role in pioneering global, 24-hour news coverage. His profound philanthropic legacy is the United Nations Foundation, created by his $1 billion pledge, which supports global causes and diplomacy. He is also a major conservationist, leveraging his vast land holdings for environmental and wildlife preservation.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Ted Turner maintains the idiosyncratic, high-energy style of a visionary. His attire is often casual but distinctive, favoring personalized jackets and the relaxed dress of a Southern landowner. His aesthetic reflects audacity, disruption, and his passion for conservation and media.

Residing on his vast ranches in the U.S. West, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to environmental conservation, media legacy, and global diplomacy.