Ted Turner ensured that CNN would leave a lasting mark.
The media titan, who passed away at 87, created a “doomsday video” years ago. It was meant to air only if the world was ending. This eerie footage, featuring military bands playing the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” was meant for CNN’s original Atlanta headquarters.
Turner commissioned the video soon after CNN launched in 1980. He vowed the network would keep broadcasting until civilization itself collapsed. “Barring satellite problems, we won’t be signing off until the world ends,” he famously declared.
He also mentioned, “We’ll play the national anthem only once, and when the end of the world comes, we’ll sign off with ‘Nearer, My God, To Thee.’” The video was kept under the title “TURNER DOOMSDAY VIDEO” in CNN’s archives until it leaked in 2015.
This haunting footage quickly gained attention online, with many describing it as “chilling.” One YouTube commenter reflected on how the video brought chills due to its heavy meaning. Another noted its connection to the Titanic, where the same hymn was supposedly played as the ship sank.
Turner, known as “The Mouth of the South,” transformed television news by launching the first 24-hour cable news network. He built a massive media empire that included CNN, TNT, TBS, and others. He also owned the Atlanta Braves and famously won the America’s Cup in 1977.
Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN Worldwide, praised Turner as the “presiding spirit” of CNN, highlighting his commitment and courage in leading the network. Just before his 80th birthday, Turner revealed he had Lewy body dementia, a serious neurological disease. He had also suffered from pneumonia in early 2025.
Interestingly, Turner’s death sparked reactions from many, including former President Trump, who called him “one of the Greats of All Time.” There’s a growing trend on social media reflecting on Turner’s impact, with many sharing stories of how CNN changed their viewing habits.
Turner’s vision shaped modern news media, making it fast-paced and always accessible. His legacy lives on, reminding us of the emotional weight of news and the stories that connect us all.
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