Committed to Ted
(Photo courtesy Turner Family Collection via CNN)
For the past few years, a number of Ted’s friends and colleagues — many of whom owe their success to the opportunities Ted and Turner Broadcasting afforded them early in their careers — have talked about honoring Ted and his unparalleled contributions to media and journalism. This fitting tribute, in content and location, will support and empower future generations of journalists and media professionals, just as Ted helped to change the world and enable the success of so many others.
Christiane
Amanpour
CNN's Chief International Anchor, Christiane is a fearless and internationally acclaimed journalist who has covered some of the most wrenching stories around the world.
"I believe Ted Turner has always been ahead of his time on all the major issues of our time, from media, to arms control, to fostering global understanding to recognizing our climate crisis. As a storyteller I have followed this mandate, to be brave and always tell the truth no matter who it angers! I believe every generation now needs to learn the truth about our climate emergency, and also the solutions that are already out there, if only our governments would wake up and act.”
Decker
Anstrom
While CEO of The Weather Channel Companies, Decker introduced audiences to the challenge of climate change. He served in the Carter Administration, and later as President of the National Cable Television Association and as a US Ambassador on international telecommunications issues in the Obama Administration. He now serves on the Board of Discovery Communications, Island Press and Climate Central, in addition to supporting various nonprofits.
Ted imagined and helped build cable television, and reinvented news and journalism on a global scale. He has now brought his vision and determination to confront the climate crisis -- and save our planet."
Dana
Bash
CNN's Chief Political Correspondent, SMPA graduate, and GW distinguished alumni award winner, Dana has been covering campaigns and Congress in the D.C. area for more than 20 years. In 2017, Dana launched her CNN series, Badass Women of Washington, which features women who shattered glass ceilings on their way up the ranks.
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Char
Beales
A groundbreaking leader and innovator as President and CEO of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM), Char was inducted into Cable Television Hall of Fame in 2009. Char chaired the National Council of GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs and has held multiple leadership roles at the University.
GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs is the ideal home for the Ted Turner Endowed Fund. It combines an unparalleled media education program with a major voice in Washington with Ted’s lifelong passion for the environment. Together we will ensure that Ted’s pioneering genius is celebrated and remembered in perpetuity.”
Jeff
Bewkes
As CEO of Time Warner for more than a decade and Chairman of the Board until its acquisition by AT&T in 2018, Jeff stood at the helm of a media empire whose portfolio included HBO, Turner Broadcasting (CNN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network), Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema. Jeff is on the advisory board of the Creative Coalition and a Trustee at his alma maters, Stanford and Yale Universities.
(Image by Peter Yang)
Ted Turner changed the media landscape several times by inventing network after network... foremost among them is CNN which continues to change the world for the better."
Julian
Brodsky
Media pioneer and co-founder of Comcast, Julian served as its CFO and went on to be elected Vice Chairman. Julian also founded Comcast's venture capital fund, Comcast Interactive Capital Group, and is an honorary director of the Cable Center.
It is exciting that this tribute to Ted is going forward. It is Ted’s genius, daring, imagination and charisma that puts him in the forefront of those who changed the Cable Industry from a reception service to an entertainment medium, which in turn changed the viewing habits of the country. For that, we in the industry will be forever grateful to him."
Kathy
Calvin
Global problem solver and communicator, Kathy led the UN Foundation — Ted's audacious bet to advance human dignity and protect the planet. Prior to that she was President of the AOL Time Warner Foundation where she guided AOL Time Warner’s philanthropic activities.
Ted has been known and recognized by so many leaders for his impact on our environment and our world. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called
Ted a “farmer because he planted the seeds for change and understood you must give back to the land so it can care for us in the future.” His successor Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Ted “the UN’s best friend because he knew it would marry the public sector’s greatest needs with the private sector’s greatest strengths.” I called Ted my boss for 16 incredible years and was inspired by him daily. Ted said you don’t have to be a world leader or a billionaire to make a difference—and we made that a rallying cry for people all over the world to work together for that goal."
Bert
Carp
Widely acknowledged as a senior and respected Democratic strategist, Bert spent 10 years as Vice President for Government Affairs of Turner Broadcasting and served on the executive committee. He has four decades of Washington experience.
In the late 1970s each of the Big Three broadcasters exhaustively debated the feasibility of a cable news network. While they dithered at the risks, and with none of their advantages, in 1980 real pioneers under Ted’s unmatched leadership launched CNN. This is a fitting tribute to him, and to them.”
Rick
Davis
A CNN original, who has worked at the network since the first broadcast in June 1980, Rick is Executive Vice President of Standards and Practices, the group that assures the professionalism and high ethical standards of everything CNN does. He's seen the network span the globe — and become one of the most recognized brands in the world.
Joy
DiBenedetto
Joy has spent her career at the merged intersection of global media and social good. She joined Turner Broadcasting in 1993, with many years of service to CNN Worldwide, inspired by the vision that Ted Turner had that media and information could change the world for the better, bringing our tiny planet closer together.
Ted Turner said, 'Do something. Lead, Follow or Get out of the way.' Ted has always been a leader, whether he was chasing waves in the Americas Cup, chasing pennants with the Atlanta Braves, or chasing global journalism with CNN, he showed us how to lead with courage and vision. The Ted Turner endowment will make sure that young minds continue to be influenced by his generous and unique passion to change the world."
Gail
Evans
Previously the Executive Vice President of the CNN Newsgroup, Gail was known for being the highest ranking female at CNN.
She is currently an author, lecturer and business executive.
Sam
Feist
As CNN's Washington bureau chief and senior vice president, Sam leads all newsgathering and Washington-based programming, including: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, The Lead with Jake Tapper, State of the Union, and Inside Politics.
Ted Turner changed the world of journalism and in turn helped change the world. Ted Turner’s vision certainly changed my life and The Ted Turner Fund will help extend Ted’s remarkable impact by training a new generation of journalists."
Brad
Ferrer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, WarnerMedia News and Sports, Brad is responsible for the financial leadership of CNN US, CNN Digital, HLN, CNN International, Bleacher Report, and partnerships with the NBA, MLB, and NCAA.
Joan
Gillman
Joan currently serves as a Corporate Director of public and private companies. She held various roles at Time Warner Cable/Time Warner participating in the Company's transformation and monetization of digital cable, video on demand and addressable advertising. After serving as COO of Timer Warner Cable Media and EVP of Time Warner Cable for 10 years, she left Time Warner Cable in 2016. Joan began her career in politics working in the U.S. Senate. She earned her Masters at GW and is a member of the SMPA National Council.
The Ted Turner Professor of Environmental Media is a tribute to Ted's entrepreneurial advancements in journalism worldwide. Ted had a vision for how TV journalism would shape the understanding of global and national issues at a scale unknown before his time. GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs, will not only teach his legacy, it will inspire the next generation of journalists to build on it to have impact on the issues they choose to cover.”
Richard
Griffiths
A demanding editor and precise writer, Richard brought his discipline and precision to CNN’s editorial table every day, serving as CNN’s Vice President and Senior Editorial Director.
Ted Turner’s CNN allowed the world to see itself more clearly, understand the momentous challenges that still threaten to destroy our planet, from nuclear warto climate change.”
Dr. Sanjay and Rebecca Gupta
Multiple Emmy® Award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN, Sanjay is a practicing neurosurgeon at Emory Hospitals, plays an integral role in CNN's reporting on health & medical news. Rebecca, a lawyer and venture capitalist, is an active member of the Atlanta community. She sits on the Southeast Region Board for UNICEF, University of Michigan Medical Advisory Board, and on the board for Friends of English Avenue. The couple have three young girls and enjoy sharing with them the love of travel & the understanding of global responsibility.
Before I went to visit Ted on his ranch in Montana, I wasn’t sure how bison could help save the planet. But Ted’s been turning doubters into believers his whole life -- and this was no different. I am honored to support the Ted Turner Endowed Fund because I believe in Ted and his determination to save the planet we all share."
Amos B.
Hostetter Jr.
After co-founding Continental Cablevision, which grew to be the third largest cable television system operator in the country, Amos served on the National Cable Television Association board and was a founding director and chairman of C-SPAN and of Cable in the Classroom. He continues to change the world through the Barr Foundation with $1B in philanthropy to climate, education, arts & creativity causes.
For decades, I have admired and been inspired by Ted's tireless effort to build and transform global news through CNN. Many of us in the cable industry worked alongside him to connect people to each other and to the broader world. As we look to the future and the climate and environmental challenges before us, Ted's example once again serves as a guide -- we need to think big and act decisively"
Tom
Johnson
President of CNN for more than a decade, Tom led CNN's ground-breaking coverage of the Gulf War and changed the way audiences consume news. Early in his career, Tom served as deputy press secretary for President Lyndon Johnson. He was also the publisher of the Dallas Times-Herald and The Los Angeles Times.
Never has there been another person on this planet quite like Ted Turner. Never again are we likely to see anybody else quite like him. The range of Ted's accomplishments are so vast and varied.
Environmentalist. Champion of World Peace. Owner of Major League sports franchises, including the World Champions Atlanta Braves. Owner of more land except for one other billionaire. Donor of $1 billion to strengthen the United Nations. But, what I love the most, is the man who brought truthful news to virtually every nation in the world, especially to people who have lived under totalitarian regimes where free expression often was prohibited. Founder of the world's first 24-hour all-news channel, Ted Turner will go down in the history books alongside the giants of the 20th and 21st centuries. This program at George Washington University will enable us to advance the cause of a free press while honoring the finest media pioneer of them all."
Eason
Jordan
Always with a focus on how CNN could get its cameras, reporters, and producers to the most remote corners of the world, Eason helped the network gain access to some of the biggest stories on the planet - from earthquakes in Pakistan to the very first waves of American bombing in Iraq during the first Gulf War.
Ted is a trailblazer and an inspiration. He is a treasured friend and mentor to many of us. This is the least we can do to thank and honor Ted for many years to come.”
Mitra
Kalita
Storytelling is in Mitra's blood. As Senior VP for news, opinion and programming at CNN digital, her role is to creatively share CNN's content across an ever-expanding platform. She was previously the managing editor for editorial strategy at the LA Times.
Imagine my surprise when I arrived at CNN, with only experience in print and digital, and discovered 24-hour cable news to be all the things I love about the internet: accessible, intimate, immediate, on demand, democratized, no room for FOMO. This is testament to Ted Turner’s vision and legacy as an entrepreneur ahead of his times. I am ever grateful for the journalism he supported, the creativity he demanded, the history we all have witnessed, thanks to CNN."
Phil
Kent
As Chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System from 2003 until 2013, Phil held one of the most influential and prestigious jobs in media. He oversaw all aspects of
the business — news, sports, and entertainment alike — and led Turner Broadcasting through its digital transformation.
Ted Turner changed the world and the world of news. There is no better way to honor his legacy than with this mission and platform at the School of Media and Public Affairs in our nation's capital."
David & Niki
Levy
After joining Turner Broadcasting at the age of 24, David spent the next 32 years building Turner assets ultimately culminating in six years as CEO. David orchestrated a landmark NCAA March Madness deal with CBS for multi-media rights, including exclusive rights four the final four and championship games for Turner every other year.
Ted was into cable before cable was cool. Many people throw around the word visionary in defining people, but honestly there are very few “TRUE VISIONARIES“... Ted was one of them.. period!
Pat
Mitchell
A woman who helped define the media industry as a CEO and producer, Pat, has focused her career on using media as a force for social change. With a special emphasis on the representation of women's voices she was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2009. She was named one of the Most Powerful Women in Hollywood.
Few people can claim to have changed the world, but Ted Turner can because he did. He also changed lives, mine and others privileged to work with him - and millions of others whose minds were opened, actions influenced, and values shaped by the journalism on CNN, the documentaries, movies, and yes, even the cartoons his channels produced.
Turner Broadcasting transformed the media landscape. With every cable channel Ted launched or transformative idea he pursued - even when others cautioned or doubted - his mission was to create media that would contribute to a better world.
The most important thing I learned from Ted – and that I hope all who benefit from this Ted Turner Initiative will carry forward - was his instruction about everything we reported, produced, and distributed to the world: “Get it right!”
Tryg
Myhren
President of Providence Journal Company, Chair/CEO of American Television & Communications Corporation and Chairman of NCTA, Tryg led the industry’s successful effort to pass the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, which freed the industry from stifling regulation. Tryg served on the board of Turner Broadcasting. He is a member of the Cable Hall of Fame and the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame.
Ted, what a ride you have had so far. You took such courageous risks with WTBS, the Braves, Death Star, Ed Taylor and SSS, CNN, the Goodwill Games and so many other genius break throughs, back “when cable wasn’t cool." I have treasured our time together over the years and have always respected your integrity in our dealings and our friendship. Serving on your Board, though not without wrinkles, was a joy. Vicki and I both wish you every good fortune going forward."
– Your friend, Tryg
Brian L.
Roberts
Brian L. Roberts is Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. Under his leadership, Comcast has grown into a global company uniquely positioned at the intersection of media and technology with three primary businesses, Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky.
Ted Turner changed my life. He invited me to serve on his board in 1986 – when I was only 27. I got to see him build, grow, and transform the television industry – and the world in many respects – in a few short years. His vision and passion for using media and technology to inform the public inspires me still. His genius is outshone only by his integrity, generosity, and humanitarianism. Like my own father Ralph, he was an incredible mentor. I will always be grateful to Ted Turner."
Theodore
Roosevelt IV
Investment banker and managing director at Barclay’s Capital Corporation, chairman of the firm’s Clean Tech initiative, and on the board of several organizations committed to the environment and climate action,
Ted Roosevelt is a committed conservationist. It is a passion he’s long shared with his good friend, Ted Turner.
(Image by Amy Elliott)
Ted Turner is America’s greatest conservationist. His vision, imagination and determination has helped protect the planet for future generations.”
Richard
Roth
As Senior U.N. correspondent and longest serving employee, Richard has been on the front lines since CNN went live in 1980. From reporting at Ground Zero after 9/11 to covering the fall of the Berlin Wall, Richard has brought CNN's breaking news to a global audience for four decades.
I am the longest serving CNN employee in history. I still can't believe I was there at the start of the world's first 24 hour news network. From Rome to the UN I have deep personal memories of encounters with Ted. As the environment and the media come under attack, there is nothing more important than keeping Ted's foresight and vision advancing."
Jim
Samples
During nearly 14 years with Turner Broadcasting, Jim served in a range of leadership capacities spanning programming, digital media, marketing, and affiliate sales. He served as EVP & General Manager of Cartoon Network Worldwide.
During my years at Turner Broadcasting, I witnessed the impact of Ted's vision directly and personally. While I was managing the company’s Argentina office, Ted's support of the launch of CNN en Español was crucial to its success. CNN brought reliable and objective news to millions of viewers across the region in Spanish — so important to emerging economies and young democracies throughout the region. And later, while at Cartoon Network, Ted never let me forget how important it was to drive home environmental awareness while entertaining kids. He was ahead of his time with practically everything he touched! He is among the few whose brilliant business acumen is matched by his staunch commitment to the health of our planet and the wellbeing of people everywhere.
Louise
Sams
Louise joined Turner Broadcasting in 1993 and was instrumental in its growth,
serving as General Counsel and as its former President. She is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees for Princeton University. She is an expert in the law and a lifelong learner and global traveler.
Scott
Sassa
Scott is credited with building Turner’s entertainment cable channels into industry leaders, launching seven networks over a seven‐year period. He joined Turner Broadcasting in 1988 and finished his tenure as president of Turner Entertainment Group and a member of the Turner Board of Directors and the TBS Executive Committee.
Frank
Sesno
Director of Strategic Initiatives at the George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs and past Director for more than a decade, Frank brought together this remarkable group of people to honor Ted Turner at GW. Frank worked at CNN for 21 years as White House Correspondent, anchor, talk show host, and Washington Bureau Chief.
Ted Turner inspired all of us at CNN to take risks, dig deep, and go anywhere in the world to report the news. He was a brash innovator who defied convention and utterly transformed the way people get their news and information."
Laura
Turner Seydel
Daughter of Ted Turner, chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation, and committed environmentalist, Laura is eloquent in her advocacy of sustainable living. She embraces her father’s passion for the outdoors and his concern about climate change.
My father championed ideas that made a difference in the world. We are proud of the impact he’s had on so many lives. As we look to the future, I can think of no more urgent or important way to embrace his living legacy than by advocating for our natural world through the communication and compelling storytelling around ideas that can improve our well-being for generations to come.
Stuart
Snyder
Stu culminated his 13-year tenure at Turner Broadcasting as President & COO of the company’s Animation, Young Adults and Kid Media Division; Cartoon Network, Adult Swim & Boomerang garnering multiple Emmy Awards. In leadership roles with Turner, WWE and Feld Entertainment, Stu supported kids and families through the creation of Cartoon Network’s Stop Bullying: Speak Up initiative, representing Turner as a Boys & Girls Club National Trustee and supporting The Captain Planet Foundation.
Ted is a true visionary who has created change throughout the world. He has inspired generations and continues to positively impact the world through his many initiatives and ideas. It was an honor and pleasure to work and learn from him."
Jeff
Zucker
As Chairman of WarnerMedia News and Sports, Jeff leads the most used digital outlet in the world. President of CNN Worldwide since 2013, co-founder of Hulu, and five time Emmy Winner, Jeff spent more than two decades at NBC Universal, where he rose through the ranks to become the company's president and CEO.
For 40 years, CNN has been a vanguard in reporting the news, bringing our audience to the frontlines of history. As a result, we have a world that is better informed and more connected than ever. That is in no small part due to Ted Turner's vision. It is one that I look forward to strengthening as we shepherd CNN through its fifth decade and beyond."