Citizen Turner: The Life and Times of Ted Turner

A sweeping biography of the visionary media mogul who revolutionized the way we watch television

Ted Turner is a true American original. From his humble beginnings in Savannah, Georgia, to his rise as the founder of CNN and TBS, Turner has always been a man with a vision. He saw the potential of cable television long before anyone else, and he used it to create a new kind of news network that would change the world.

Turner is a complex and controversial figure, but there is no denying his impact on American culture. He is a pioneer, a visionary, and a true original. His story is one of triumph and tragedy, of success and failure, but it is ultimately a story of hope. It is the story of a man who dared to dream big and who never gave up on his dreams.

In this comprehensive biography, author David Halberstam tells the full story of Ted Turner's life and career. From his early days as a radio announcer to his rise as the head of one of the most powerful media companies in the world, Halberstam paints a vivid portrait of a man who has always been larger than life.

Citizen Turner is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, business, or media. It is the story of a man who changed the world, and it is a story that will inspire you to dream big and never give up on your dreams.

Early Life and Career

Ted Turner was born in Savannah, Georgia, on November 19, 1938. His father, Robert Edward Turner III, was a successful businessman who owned a billboard company. His mother, Florence, was a homemaker. Turner had two older sisters, Judy and Rheba.

Turner grew up in a wealthy family, but he was not always happy. His parents were often fighting, and his father was a strict disciplinarian. Turner found solace in sports, and he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball.

After graduating from high school, Turner attended Brown University. He majored in classics, but he dropped out after two years. Turner then joined the Army, where he served for two years.

After leaving the Army, Turner returned to Savannah and began working for his father's billboard company. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he became president of the company in 1963.

The Rise of CNN

In 1970, Turner bought a small UHF television station in Atlanta. He renamed the station WTCG, and he began broadcasting a variety of programming, including sports, news, and movies.

WTCG was not a success at first, but Turner was determined to make it work. He invested heavily in programming, and he began to attract a loyal following. In 1976, Turner launched the Cable News Network (CNN). CNN was the first 24-hour news network, and it quickly became a global phenomenon.

CNN changed the way people consume news. It provided viewers with up-to-the-minute coverage of breaking news, and it gave them a voice in the political process. CNN also helped to launch the careers of many of today's most famous journalists, including Larry King, Wolf Blitzer, and Anderson Cooper.

Turner's Other Ventures

In addition to CNN, Turner also founded several other successful businesses. He launched the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) in 1976, and he acquired the MGM/UA film studio in 1986. Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.

Turner was a visionary businessman, and he was always looking for new ways to innovate. He was one of the first media moguls to recognize the potential of the internet, and he invested heavily in online ventures. Turner also believed in the power of philanthropy, and he donated millions of dollars to various charities.

Personal Life

Ted Turner has been married three times. His first wife was Judy Nye, whom he married in 1960. They had two children together, Rhett and Laura. Turner and Nye divorced in 1964.

Turner's second wife was Jane Smith, whom he married in 1965. They had two children together, Beau and Jennie. Turner and Smith divorced in 1988.

Turner's third wife is Jane Fonda, whom he married in 1991. They have no children together.

Turner is a controversial figure, but there is no denying his impact on American culture. He is a pioneer, a visionary, and a true original. His story is one of triumph and tragedy, of success and failure, but it is ultimately a story of hope. It is the story of a man who dared to dream big and who never gave up on his dreams.