Early Life and Education
Robert Edward Turner III was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the eldest child of Robert Edward Turner II and Florence Rooney. His family moved to Savannah, Georgia when he was nine. Turner attended The McCallie School, a private boys' preparatory school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later Brown University. At Brown, he was involved in the debating union and captained the sailing team, although he left before graduating.
Rise to Success
Turner began his career in the advertising business, managing a branch of his father's company. After his father's death, Turner, at 24, took over Turner Advertising Company, transforming it into a global enterprise. His entry into television began in 1970 with the purchase of an Atlanta UHF station, WJRJ (later WPCH). A pivotal moment came with the launch of CNN in 1980, the first 24-hour cable news channel, revolutionizing news consumption.
Key Business Strategies
Turner's success stems from his visionary leadership. He was known for taking calculated risks, such as the launch of CNN. Turner also purchased the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks to provide programming for his television station. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to articulate his vision were central to his achievements. He also expanded his empire to include the Atlanta Braves baseball team, which he turned into a nationally popular franchise.
Philanthropy
Turner is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Notably, he pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, resulting in the establishment of the United Nations Foundation. He created this foundation to broaden support for the UN. He has also been involved in the Turner Foundation, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Captain Planet Foundation, and the Turner Endangered Species Fund. His giving has made him one of the most generous philanthropists in the world.