CNN founder Ted Turner Net Worth in 2025
Ted Turner net worth continues to spark interest even years after he stepped back from active business roles. Known for founding CNN and transforming global media, Ted Turner is a legendary businessman, philanthropist, and environmentalist. His wealth, built over decades, tells a story of innovation, risk-taking, and long-term impact.
What is Net Worth of Ted Turner?
As of 2025, Ted Turner’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.8 billion. Though his net worth has fluctuated over time due to market changes and major donations, he remains one of the most influential media moguls in American history. Much of his fortune comes from cable television, real estate, and land ownership.
Ted Turner Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2.8 Billion |
| Profession | Media Mogul, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Famous For | Founder of CNN, Turner Broadcasting System |
| Nationality | American |
| Main Income Sources | Cable Television, Land Ownership, Investments |
| Residence | Montana, USA |
| Marital Status | Divorced (including former marriage to Jane Fonda) |
How He Makes Money
Ted Turner built his fortune by changing how the world receives news. He started with a billboard company inherited from his father, then used that to fund his expansion into cable television. He created Turner Broadcasting System, which launched networks like CNN, TNT, and TBS.
CNN, in particular, made him a billionaire. It was the world’s first 24-hour news channel and revolutionized journalism. He later sold his media empire to Time Warner, earning billions in stock and cash.
Turner also invested in real estate, energy, bison ranching, and sports franchises. Today, a large portion of his income comes from land ownership, leases, and long-term investments in trusts.
Assets of Ted Turner
Ted Turner owns one of the largest private land portfolios in the United States, along with other major assets.
- Land Ownership: He owns over 2 million acres of land across states like Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Nebraska. He uses the land for conservation and ranching. His land holdings alone are worth over $1 billion.
- Bison Ranches: Turner owns the largest bison herd in the world. These animals are raised across his ranches and support meat production and wildlife preservation.
- Real Estate Holdings: Turner owns several homes and lodges, including a large estate in Montana and properties in Georgia and Florida.
- Private Lodges: He runs Turner Ranches, which includes luxury eco-tourism lodges. Guests pay to stay in nature-focused resorts built on his land.
- Art and Historical Items: His personal collection includes Civil War memorabilia, historic books, and art pieces reflecting his love of American history.
Ventures of Ted Turner
Over the years, Ted Turner launched several businesses and projects that reflect both his business mindset and personal values.
- CNN (Cable News Network): His most famous venture. It was the first 24-hour news channel and became a major force in global news.
- Turner Broadcasting System: He founded this media company, which included TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, and other cable channels.
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW): Turner once owned this professional wrestling promotion, which competed with WWE in the 1990s.
- Atlanta Braves: Turner bought this Major League Baseball team and built it into a successful franchise during his ownership.
- Turner Enterprises: His private company that manages his ranches, land holdings, environmental projects, and philanthropic efforts.
- UN Foundation: Turner donated $1 billion to support United Nations causes, creating one of the largest private donations in history.
Ted Turner Early Life
Ted Turner was born in 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in Georgia. His father owned a billboard company, which Turner later inherited after his father’s death. He attended Brown University but didn’t finish due to disciplinary issues.
From a young age, Ted was drawn to big ideas and bold risks. He learned business by working in advertising and eventually moved into media, where he found his true calling.
Ted Turner Career Life
Ted Turner began by expanding his father’s billboard business. He then bought a struggling TV station in Atlanta and turned it into a cable TV empire. In 1980, he launched CNN, despite critics saying 24-hour news would never work.
CNN quickly became popular, especially during the Gulf War, when people watched live news coverage from the battlefield. Turner followed up with other networks like TNT and Cartoon Network.
In 1996, he sold his media empire to Time Warner, receiving billions in stock. However, after Time Warner merged with AOL, Turner lost influence and watched his fortune shrink. Despite the setback, he stayed active in other areas like environmental work and land development.
Ted Turner Personal Life
Ted Turner has been married three times, including a high-profile marriage to actress Jane Fonda. He has five children and spends most of his time on his ranches and conservation projects.
He has always been outspoken, humorous, and sometimes controversial. His love for nature led him to become a major conservationist, working to protect land and endangered species. Turner is also known for being a strong supporter of nuclear disarmament, clean energy, and the fight against global poverty.
In recent years, Turner revealed he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. Despite health challenges, he continues to support environmental causes and manages his ranches.
FAQs
What is Ted Turner net worth in 2025?
Ted Turner’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.8 billion in 2025.
How did Ted Turner get rich?
He built wealth by founding CNN, creating cable TV networks, investing in land, and owning businesses like the Atlanta Braves.
What companies did Ted Turner start?
He started CNN, TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, and Turner Broadcasting System.
Does Ted Turner still own CNN?
No, he sold CNN to Time Warner in the 1990s. He no longer has control over the company.
Where does Ted Turner live now?
He lives mostly on his ranch in Montana and also spends time at other properties across the U.S.
Final Words
Ted Turner net worth reflects a lifetime of innovation, vision, and bold decisions. From changing the way people watch news to owning millions of acres of land, Turner shaped both media and environmental work. Even after stepping back from public life, his legacy remains strong in business, philanthropy, and conservation. His wealth is not just about money—it’s about impact, ideas, and long-term value.