Trump Claims Ted Turner Was ‘Devastated’ CNN Became ‘Woke’
President Donald Trump recently made a claim on his Truth Social account that CNN founder Ted Turner was “personally devastated” after selling the news network because the new owners “destroyed” it by making it “woke.” However, there is no evidence to support Trump’s assertion that Turner lamented CNN’s shift in coverage.
Turner, a prominent figure in the cable TV industry, passed away at the age of 87. He founded CNN and later sold it to Time Warner in 1996 as part of a larger deal involving Turner Broadcasting System. The sale valued CNN at around $2.8 billion.
Despite Trump’s comments, Turner has not publicly criticized CNN for any perceived political bias. In past interviews, Turner has expressed a desire for CNN to focus more on hard news and international coverage rather than “fluff.” He has also shared his support for certain political figures, such as former President Barack Obama.
In a 2019 interview with Variety, Turner mentioned his limited television viewing habits, stating that he mainly watches CNN and occasionally tunes into Turner Classic Movies, another one of his cable networks.
Following Turner’s passing, Trump expressed hope that David Ellison, whose Paramount Skydance recently acquired Warner Bros. Discovery, will restore CNN to its former credibility and glory. Ellison, backed by his father Larry Ellison, has assured that CNN will maintain its editorial independence under the new ownership.
Ellison, who hosted a dinner party honoring Trump, has emphasized that CNN’s editorial independence will be preserved, citing similar practices at other news organizations. Despite the change in ownership, CNN is expected to continue operating as an independent news outlet.
In conclusion, while Trump’s claims about Turner’s sentiments towards CNN may lack evidence, the future of the network under new ownership remains a topic of interest and speculation. The legacy of CNN and its founder will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of broadcast journalism.
