American Media Mogul: Ted Turner CNN Founder

Turner's media empire began with his father's billboard business, which he took over at 24 after his father's suicide. The business, Turner Outdoor Advertising, was worth $1 million when Turner took it over in 1963 (Roughly $7.5 million in present day terms). With some piece of business ideas, Ted has transform this little media empire that he inherit into a billion dollar media industry.

He is know as the founder of the world most popular  cable news network CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel.  Turner created CNN in 1980. He said: "We won't be signing off until the world ends. We'll be on, and we will cover the end of the world, live, and that will be our last event . . . we'll play 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' before we sign off." After five years, CNN outgrew its home, a former country club on the outskirts of Midtown, Atlanta.

In addition, he founded WTBS, which pioneered the superstation concept in cable television. As a philanthropist, he is known for his $1 billion gift to support the United Nations, which created the United Nations Foundation, a public charity to broaden support for the UN. Turner serves as Chairman of the United Nations Foundation board of directors.