A Visionary Leader in Media and Sports

Ted Turner, the influential media entrepreneur and former proprietor of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, has passed away at the age of 87. His death was officially confirmed by Turner Enterprises and verified by the Atlanta Braves organization on Wednesday.

Tony Ressler, the principal owner of the Atlanta Hawks, honored Turner’s legacy in a formal statement, describing him as “a true original, a visionary, and a force of nature whose impact will be felt for generations.”


The Rise of a Media Empire

While widely recognized for his significant influence in professional sports, Turner’s massive wealth was primarily generated through his pioneering work in television and radio. Starting with the acquisition of his father's advertising agency, he aggressively expanded into broadcasting. His station, WTCG, became the crucial bridge that allowed him to secure rights to air Braves and Hawks games, laying the groundwork for his future in the sports industry.

In 1976, Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves, followed by the acquisition of the Atlanta Hawks a year later. By rebranding WTCG to WTBS, he created a unique national platform that broadcast Braves games across the country, turning the franchise into one of the most televised and recognizable teams in professional sports at the time.


Ownership Controversies and Management

Turner’s tenure as an owner was marked by several high-profile clashes with league officials:

  • 1977 Suspension: He faced a year-long suspension from then-commissioner Bowie Kuhn for violating free-agency regulations while attempting to sign Gary Matthews, though Turner successfully appealed the decision.
  • Managing the Dugout: In a bid to turn around a 16-game losing streak, Turner briefly managed the Braves for a single game. The move was quickly blocked by National League president Chub Feeney, who cited a conflict of interest.

Legacy and Later Years

During his ownership, the Braves saw significant success, including a World Series championship in 1995. Eventually, the franchise transitioned ownership to Time Warner in 1996 and later to Liberty Media in 2007. The Atlanta Hawks also enjoyed consistent playoff success under his leadership, earning the honor of having a jersey retired in his name in 2004.

Beyond sports, Turner is remembered as a titan of television, having founded major networks including TBS, TNT, CNN, and Cartoon Network. In 2018, Turner revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.