Media Mogul and Philanthropist Ted Turner Remembered by GW Community

The George Washington community is mourning the loss of media pioneer, conservationist and philanthropist Ted Turner, who passed on Wednesday at age 87. Over a decades-long career, Turner earned recognition for his entrepreneurial acumen, sharp business instincts and unprecedented philanthropy.

A trailblazer in the media landscape, Turner revolutionized television with bold ideas and a willingness to take risks. He launched CNN, the world's first 24-hour global news network, and pioneered nationwide cable distribution by launching the TBS superstation. Turner built a portfolio of unrivaled entertainment brands and businesses, including CNN Headline News, CNN International, Turner Network Television, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, helping define modern cable programming.

Turner also believed in inspiring future generations to carry forward the work of creating a safer, more sustainable future for all people and wildlife. At GW, the Ted Turner Professor of Environmental Media position within the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) was named in his honor to support and mentor emerging storytellers focused on global challenges.

Established in 2022, the professorship brings leading environmental journalists, filmmakers and educators to the Foggy Bottom campus and supports an annual lecture featuring conversations on the state of journalism and the role of storytelling in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. Many GW students have been inspired by the conversations and lessons they gained from visiting professors, including documentary filmmaker John Sutter from 2022 to 2024 and, as of fall 2024, science journalist Eli Kintisch.

"The university joins people around the world in mourning the passing of Ted Turner, whose audacious spirit as a media pioneer and conservationist has long inspired the GW community," said President Ellen M. Granberg "The university is honored to carry forward his legacy in the endowed professorship that bears his name and to extend the reach of his commitment to journalism, education and storytelling for generations to come."

Frank Sesno, SMPA Professor and Founding Director of Planet Forward, spent many years working under Turner at CNN and the two remained close throughout Sesno's last 16 years at GW.

Sesno originated the idea for the endowment and, during his tenure as Director of SMPA, championed the fundraising efforts which, to date, have raised over $3.3 million.

"Ted revolutionized media. He was passionate about the planet. He said we have a responsibility to 'save everything,'" Sesno said. "The Ted Turner Endowment at GW honors Ted's incredibly bold vision. It highlights great work and teaches future storytellers to be compelling, accurate and creative on behalf of our precious planet. We will inspire future storytellers in Ted's name. Forever."

Paul Wahlbeck, dean of CCAS, noted Ted Turner's remarkable legacy.

"We are saddened by the loss of this legendary figure," Wahlbeck said. "Through the endowed professorship, Ted Turner's life and legacy will continue to inspire generations of our students to harness the power of storytelling to drive meaningful change and advance a more sustainable world."

In March 2023, the university and luminaries from CNN, including Wolf Blitzer, paid tribute to Turner at an event in Jack Morton Auditorium, where Sutter was also named the inaugural recipient of the professorship.

The event ended with two of Turner's children, Laura Turner Seydel and Robert "Teddy" Turner IV, reading out loud a letter sent by their father who couldn't attend in person. In the letter, Turner said he was humbled, honored and excited about the endowed position's impact.

"When I think of the pivotal moments that changed my life for the better, they were often associated with cutting-edge stories and documentaries that help shine a light on issues in the world that humanity needed to understand," the letter said. "That way, we can pivot with solutions as stewards and caretakers in the world. That's why this honor touches me so deeply. To all the future generations of storytellers committed to our planet's well-being: I believe in them. What a wonderful new era for the planet. Thank you again for this great honor."

Turner was also regarded as an influential philanthropist whose efforts had far-reaching impacts. He often described his conservation mission as an effort to "save everything," reflecting his belief that protecting the planet requires safeguarding all species on Earth. Those who knew him described his vision as bold and audacious.

"Everyone who studies and practices journalism in 2026 works in the wake of Ted Turner," said SMPA Director Peter Loge. "He changed how news is produced, consumed, and studied. His commitment to journalism, education, and storytelling that creates a better world for everyone will echo in our classrooms for generations to come."

In 1997, Turner pledged up to $1 billion to the United Nations. The following year, he established the United Nations Foundation, which advances U.N. priorities including global health, environmental protection, peace and security, and support for women and children.

He served as chairman of the Turner Foundation, founded in 1990, which supports efforts to improve air and water quality, promote sustainable energy, protect the climate, safeguard environmental health and preserve wildlife habitats. Since its start, the foundation has awarded more than $380 million to hundreds of organizations. The Turner Endangered Species Fund, launched in 1997, is a core grantee of the foundation and focuses on conserving biodiversity, particularly through the restoration of endangered and imperiled species on Turner-owned lands.

GW Honors Media Pioneer Ted Turner and His Vision to Save the World