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 controversies more cowardly by the hour. That's why no one cares about it any more." CNN apologized for a May 15, 2003, story in which CNN's John Zarella and Broward County, Florida Sheriff Ken Jenne demonstrated the rapid firing of fully automatic firearms while covering the federal Assault Weapons Ban, due to expire the following year. The Assault Weapons Ban was concerned solely with semi-automatic firearms, not fully automatic ones, which had already been restricted by the National Firearms Act of 1934, and the subsequent 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act. On April 3, 2016, hundreds of supporters of Bernie Sanders protested