How Ted Turner made Atlanta a media capital

The city of Atlanta and the global media community are coming together to honor the life of Ted Turner, who passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at age 87. As the founder of CNN, owner of the Atlanta Braves, and a legendary philanthropist, Turner’s influence on the "Capital of the South" is unparalleled. Local leaders and longtime associates are reflecting on a man who didn't just build a media empire—he built a modern city.