A new six-part docuseries titled Call Me Ted explores the life, influence, and eccentricities of Ted Turner, the audacious media mogul whose innovations in broadcast media and environmental advocacy have left an indelible mark on American culture. Known as the founder of CNN and a spirited risk-taker who transformed the media landscape, Turner, now 85, is celebrated in the series premiering on Max on November 13, 2024.
Turner’s story has been one of extreme highs and lows, from his pioneering days in the media industry to his present struggle with Lewy Body dementia. Dubbed the “Mouth of the South,” the Atlanta native became a larger-than-life personality known for his unfiltered remarks, unapologetic business maneuvers, and relentless ambition. Filmmakers Lynn and Peter Andrews, the married documentarian duo behind Call Me Ted, delve into these complex layers of Turner’s life, presenting an intimate portrayal of a man as innovative as he was controversial.
From Outspoken Businessman to Media Visionary
Call Me Ted charts Turner’s journey from his early years managing his father’s modest advertising business in Georgia to building a media empire that redefined the 24-hour news cycle. In 1980, Turner launched CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network, a daring and unprecedented move in a time when news was primarily scheduled in fixed intervals. With CNN, Turner didn’t just disrupt the news industry; he revolutionized it, setting a model that global media outlets would eventually follow. The series recounts his experiences launching CNN, the skepticism he faced, and the eventual success that cemented his legacy in broadcast journalism.
But CNN was just the beginning. Turner’s portfolio expanded with the acquisition of Turner Broadcasting System, which included TBS and TNT, and later Cartoon Network, introducing an era of diversified cable programming that catered to niche audiences. Despite facing repeated challenges from competitors and critics, Turner’s relentless drive led him to be widely regarded as a trailblazer. His impact extended into sports as well, as he bought the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks, transforming both teams into nationally recognized franchises and ingraining himself even deeper into Atlanta’s cultural fabric.
A Personal Life as Unpredictable as His Career
Turner’s professional accomplishments were often matched by a personal life characterized by audacity and heartbreak. His high-profile marriage to actress Jane Fonda brought Turner into the Hollywood spotlight, while his frank and sometimes controversial remarks earned him a reputation as an unpredictable force. Journalists, captivated by his openness and fearlessness, dubbed him names like “Captain Outrageous” and “Maverick Man.” Turner’s personal relationships and emotional battles, including his ongoing health struggles, add a poignant element to Call Me Ted.
In recent years, Turner has stepped away from the public eye, spending his time at his Montana ranch among wide-open fields and bison herds. Turner’s struggle with Lewy Body dementia has been challenging, casting a shadow over his final years. Yet, the series celebrates not only his formidable career but also his continued passion for conservation and philanthropy. Turner, an environmental advocate, established the Turner Foundation and donated substantial portions of his wealth to causes aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving land.
An Enduring Influence on Media and Society
In creating Call Me Ted, Lynn and Peter Andrews have aimed to present an unfiltered view of Turner’s journey. The couple conducted interviews with Turner’s family members, colleagues, and those who witnessed his rapid ascent in media. The documentary offers insights into the triumphs and setbacks that shaped Turner, touching on both the public achievements and the private challenges that few knew about.
The series offers a historical lens into Turner’s contributions to television, sports, and environmental advocacy, examining how his daring decisions influenced modern media and inspired countless entrepreneurs. Even in his absence from the limelight, Turner’s work continues to resonate within the media industry and environmental conservation.
As Call Me Ted premieres on Max, viewers will have an opportunity to understand the man behind the headlines—a pioneering spirit who left a lasting legacy on media, sports, and environmental efforts, and whose life was as multifaceted as the causes he championed.