Call Me Ted
Ted Turner is a name synonymous with bold innovation and media disruption. The founder of CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and the visionary behind World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he is known for his relentless drive, risk-taking mentality, and larger-than-life personality. Call Me Ted is his candid memoir, co-written with Bill Burke, offering a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey, triumphs, failures, and personal struggles. This book is an essential read for founders who admire resilience, unconventional thinking, and the power of vision.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1938, Turner’s early life was marked by discipline and hardship. He faced a challenging relationship with his father, who ran an outdoor advertising business and had high expectations for his son. Turner attended Brown University but left before completing his degree, eventually taking over the family business after his father’s tragic suicide. This unexpected responsibility forced him to mature quickly, and he turned the small-scale billboard business into a media empire.
The Birth of Turner Broadcasting
- Turner had a natural instinct for spotting opportunities in media. He transitioned from billboards to radio and then television, purchasing a struggling UHF station in Atlanta and transforming it into a powerhouse.
- In 1976, he launched WTBS, the first “superstation,” pioneering the use of satellite technology to distribute content nationally.
- His relentless ambition led to the founding of CNN in 1980, the first 24-hour news network. Many doubted its success, but Turner’s perseverance and willingness to take risks paid off, revolutionizing news consumption worldwide.
Challenges, Setbacks, and Triumphs
Turner faced significant challenges throughout his career, including:
- Financial Struggles: CNN took years to become profitable, and Turner often had to secure funding through aggressive deal-making.
- Business Rivalries: His unconventional style put him at odds with media giants and traditional broadcasters.
- Acquisition by Time Warner: In 1996, Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner, leading to his gradual exit from active leadership, a move he later regretted as it reduced his control over the empire he built.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond business, Call Me Ted provides insight into Turner’s personal life, including his marriages (most famously to actress Jane Fonda), his passion for sailing, and his deep commitment to philanthropy.
- He pledged $1 billion to the United Nations, emphasizing global issues and environmental conservation.
- Turner also focused on sustainable land management, acquiring vast amounts of land for ecological preservation and bison restoration.
Conclusion
If you are fascinated by bold entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo, Call Me Ted is an engaging and inspiring read. It provides invaluable lessons on risk-taking, leadership, and resilience. If you enjoyed books like Shoe Dog by Phil Knight or The Everything Store by Brad Stone, you’ll likely find this memoir just as compelling.