the network has announced. In 1980, Turner launched Cable News Network as the first dedicated rolling news channel, which soon became a central part of the media landscape. US President Donald Trump paid tribute to him as "one of the greats of broadcast history, and a friend of mine". Current CNN CEO and chairman Mark Thompson described Turner as "the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognise him and his impact on our lives and the world". In a statement, Thompson said: "Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement. "He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN." President Trump has been a fierce critic of the current CNN, but said of Turner: "Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!" (BBC)