Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ted Turner

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Ted Turner.

Ted Turner is an American entrepreneur and media mogul best known for founding CNN, the world's first 24-hour cable news channel. He also established WTBS, popularizing the superstation concept, along with TBS and TNT television networks. Turner's media empire revolutionized television news and entertainment. He is also a philanthropist.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

January 3, 1977: Suspension by Commissioner of Baseball

On January 3, 1977, Ted Turner was suspended for one year by Commissioner of Baseball Bowie Kuhn for his actions while pursuing the signing of free agent Gary Matthews. This suspension was later successfully appealed.

May 11, 1977: Turner Takes Over as Interim Manager

On May 11, 1977, with the Atlanta Braves on a 16-game losing streak, Ted Turner took over as interim manager for one game after sending manager Dave Bristol on a "scouting trip." National League president Chub Feeney ordered him to stop, citing major league rules.

1983: Feud with Rupert Murdoch Begins

In 1983, a feud between Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch began when a Murdoch-sponsored yacht collided with Turner's yacht during the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, causing it to run aground. A drunken Turner verbally assaulted Murdoch and challenged him to a televised fistfight in Las Vegas.

1996: Fox News established

In 1996, Murdoch's Fox News was established, becoming a rival to Turner's CNN. Time Warner declined to carry Fox News on their New York City cable network in response. Turner said he would "squash Rupert Murdoch like a bug."

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June 24, 1999: Vince McMahon's comments on Ted Turner

On June 24, 1999, on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Vince McMahon stated that Ted Turner was a "son-of-a-bitch".

1999: Joke About Polish Mine Detectors

In 1999, Ted Turner made a joke about Polish mine detectors when asked about Pope John Paul II, leading to an apology after a harsh response from the Polish deputy foreign minister Radek Sikorski.

2002: Accusation Against Israel

In 2002, Ted Turner accused Israel of terror, stating that both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, were involved in terrorism.

2003: Fistfight challenge and warmonger accusation

In 2003, Turner challenged Murdoch to another fistfight and accused him of being a "warmonger" for supporting President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq.

September 19, 2006: Comments on Iran's Nuclear Position

On September 19, 2006, Ted Turner commented on Iran's nuclear position, questioning why Iran shouldn't have nuclear weapons if other countries do.

2008: Remarks on Global Warming and Population Control

In 2008, Ted Turner asserted that if global warming is not addressed, most people would die, and the rest would be cannibals. Turner also advocated for Americans having no more than two children.

2010: Support for China's One-Child Policy

In 2010, Ted Turner stated that China's one-child policy should be implemented.

2010: Comments on Environmental Disasters

In 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon disaster and the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, Ted Turner suggested that God may be signaling a need to move away from offshore drilling and coal mining, advocating for solar, wind, and geothermal power.

2011: Remarks about 9/11 Hijackers

In 2011, Ted Turner apologized for remarks about the 9/11 hijackers but defended himself by saying he sometimes uses the wrong words.

2021: Vince McMahon dismisses AEW comparison to Turner's WCW

In 2021, when asked about the upstart AEW in comparison to Ted Turner's WCW, Vince McMahon dismissed AEW, stating that "it certainly is not a situation where 'rising tides' because that was when Ted Turner was coming after us with all of Time Warner's assets as well".