Rupert Murdoch Lauds CNN Founder Ted Turner: ‘A Great American and Friend’

May 6, 2026 12:13pm PT Rupert Murdoch Lauds CNN Founder Ted Turner: ‘A Great American and Friend’

By Todd Spangler

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Todd Spangler

NY Digital Editor

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• Rupert Murdoch Lauds CNN Founder Ted Turner: ‘A Great American and Friend’ 1 hour ago
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Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner were business rivals — and their Fox News and CNN news networks remain fierce competitors.

But Murdoch and Turner also (eventually) became friends. In a statement following news about Turner’s death, Murdoch gave credit to Turner for having the vision to launch CNN in 1980.

“Ted Turner’s vision for 24-hour cable news transformed the media industry and gave viewers everywhere a front seat to witness history unfold,” Murdoch said in a statement. “His impact as a trailblazer has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. He was a great American and friend.”

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