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 to block the acquisition entirely during his presidential campaign, Trump's transition team later stated that the government planned to evaluate the deal without prejudice. Following the announcement of the acquisition, AT&T CEO Randall L. Stephenson stated that the company was "committed to continuing the editorial independence of CNN". In August 2017, "Deadline Hollywood" reported that AT&T had considered spinning off CNN and its stake in TMZ post-acquisition. In October 2017, Stephenson downplayed the possibility that the ongoing tensions between Trump and CNN could affect the deal, stating that he "[didn't] know what the relevance of CNN is in terms of