Is Ted Turner A-List?
NoB
No — Ted Turner is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1980
CNN's Creation
Lost A-list status in 2026
Dropped to B tier — Media Pioneer and Philanthropist
Ranking Timeline
1963D$0.1M
Takes over Billboard Company
Inherits and transforms family business.
1976B▲▲$50M+$49.9M
WTBS Superstation Launch
Revolutionizes television broadcasting.
1980A▲$200M+$150M
CNN's Creation
Launches the first 24-hour news channel.
1996S▲$3B+$2.8B
Time Warner Merger
Sells Turner Broadcasting to Time Warner.
2003A▼$2.5B-$500M
Steps Down from AOL Time Warner
Leaves leadership role, maintains influence.
2026B▼$2.2B-$300M
Media Pioneer and Philanthropist
Remains influential figure, focusing on philanthropy.
Last updated: February 25, 2026