Ted Turner, the visionary founder of CNN and a prominent environmentalist who became one of the largest private landowners in the United States, died Wednesday at the age of 87. Turner, known for launching the world’s first 24-hour cable news network in 1980, transformed global media before dedicating much of his later life to large-scale conservation and the restoration of the American bison.

Beyond his media empire, Turner controlled approximately 3,125 square miles of ranchland across several U.S. states and Patagonia, Argentina. His conservation strategy focused on 'rewilding' degraded landscapes, which included the reintroduction of native species and the management of the world’s largest private bison herd. Turner Enterprises confirmed that his land holdings have been structured to remain protected from future commercial development.

His environmental initiatives often drew friction from traditional ranching communities, particularly regarding his support for wolf reintroduction programs and his shift from cattle to bison ranching. Despite these tensions, Turner successfully commercialized conservation through ecotourism and his restaurant chain, Ted’s Montana Grill, which promoted bison meat as a sustainable commodity to ensure the species' survival.

Turner's philanthropic efforts included a historic $1 billion pledge to the United Nations in 1997, leading to the creation of the United Nations Foundation. His work redefined the role of private capital in public conservation, proving that large-scale habitat restoration could be integrated with revenue-generating operations.

Turner Enterprises and the Ted Turner Reserves will continue to manage his properties and business interests under established conservation protocols. Information regarding memorial services is expected to be released by the family in the coming days.