When the U.S. and Israel bomb Iran and start a war, we know about it moments after it’s started — sometimes even moments before. When Russian tanks cross the border into Ukraine, we watch as it’s happening. This access to immediacy — our ability to be there as history is unfolding — much of that is possible, thanks to the vision of CNN founder Ted Turner.


Turner transformed the media industry and revolutionized television news when he launched the Cable News Network — CNN — in 1980. It was the country’s first 24-hour news channel. Turner died Wednesday. He was 87. 

NPR’s Ailsa Chang speaks with CNN Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour about Turner’s legacy.


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This episode was produced by Erika Ryan and Karen Zamora, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane.

It was edited by Courtney Dorning.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.


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