Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

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Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

American company

Also known as: Channel 17, TBS, WTBS

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. was an American company founded by Ted Turner in 1979. Turner began his media career by purchasing a struggling Atlanta television station in 1970, which he transformed into a profitable enterprise. He utilized satellite technology to broadcast the station nationwide, creating one of the first cable "superstations". This success led to the formation of Turner Broadcasting System and the launch of influential networks, most notably CNN, the first 24-hour news channel. Other networks founded under his leadership include TNT, Cartoon Network, and Turner Classic Movies. In 1996, Time Warner acquired Turner Broadcasting System for $7.5 billion.12

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Warner Bros. Discovery
Origins and growth of Warner Bros.
…were sold in 1986 to Turner Broadcasting System, which later merged with Time Warner Inc. in 1996.
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…were sold in 1986 to Turner Broadcasting System, which later merged with Time Warner Inc. in 1996.
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Atlanta Braves
Niekro ascendant
…cable “superstation,” WTCG (WTBS, or TBS). The station declared the Braves “America’s Team,” and the team’s national profile rose, even though it finished last in its division each season from 1976 through 1979.
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…cable “superstation,” WTCG (WTBS, or TBS). The station declared the Braves “America’s Team,” and the team’s national profile rose, even though it finished last in its division each season from 1976 through 1979.
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Cartoon Network
…launched in 1992 by the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), that was the first channel to offer 24/7 broadcast of animated programming. It is considered an innovator for both its original cartoon series and its programming blocks that introduced American audiences to Japanese animation, or anime, and that pioneered animated series…
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…launched in 1992 by the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), that was the first channel to offer 24/7 broadcast of animated programming. It is considered an innovator for both its original cartoon series and its programming blocks that introduced American audiences to Japanese animation, or anime, and that pioneered animated series…
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Ted Turner
Media empire
…station (later renamed WTBS, or TBS, the Turner Broadcasting System) to a nationwide cable television audience, thereby greatly increasing revenues. To reflect the business’s shift from billboards, Turner renamed it Turner Communications Company, and in 1979 the venture became known as Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
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…station (later renamed WTBS, or TBS, the Turner Broadcasting System) to a nationwide cable television audience, thereby greatly increasing revenues. To reflect the business’s shift from billboards, Turner renamed it Turner Communications Company, and in 1979 the venture became known as Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Read More