History of CNN (1980–2003) History of CNN (1980–2003) Cable News Network (CNN), an American basic cable and satellite television channel that is owned by the Turner Broadcasting System division of Time Warner, was founded in 1980 by Ted Turner and 25 other original members, who invested $20 million into the network. Upon its launch, CNN became the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and was the first all-news television network in the United States. This article discusses the history of CNN, beginning with the June 1980 launch of the channel. Four years before CNN's launch, in December 1976, Ted Turner turned his
CNN Checkout Channel Channel was only available at a total of 840 stores covering 17 markets. The "Philadelphia Inquirer" likened CNN Checkout Channel to a "cut-down" version of CNN Headline News; its news programming consisted of summaries of headlines and short feature segments. Commercials, which last 15 to 30 seconds, took 40 percent of the airtime. The service's news content was tailored to different demographics based on two dayparts; the stories focused more on women by day and men by night. CNN held full editorial control over the content broadcast by the CNN Checkout Channel, and had a staff of 30 employees dedicated