‘Call Me Ted’ explores Ted Turner’s life and career

Ted Turner’s legacy is being celebrated in a new six-episode docuseries titled Call Me Ted, which delves into the life and career of the media mogul. Premiering on Max and HBO, the series traces Turner’s journey from his childhood to the groundbreaking work he did in shaping cable television, founding CNN, and later establishing himself as a philanthropist.

At 86 years old, Turner’s contributions to the media world are immense, and the new docuseries provides an in-depth look at his incredible impact. The docuseries covers a broad swath of his life, including his early years, the rise of his cable empire, and the global success of CNN, the first 24-hour news network. It also highlights his philanthropic efforts and the lasting imprint he has left on the media industry.

On Tuesday night, a special preview of Call Me Ted was held at the Atlanta History Center, drawing a crowd of notable figures. Among the attendees were civil rights icon Andrew Young and CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery (the company that now owns Turner’s networks), led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Turner, who appeared virtually from his ranch in Montana, surrounded by family.

In his remarks, Zaslav praised Turner for his trailblazing work in cable television and noted that Turner had been a pivotal figure in the careers of many in the media industry. He singled out Turner’s visionary leadership during the 1991 Gulf War, when CNN provided the first-ever 24-hour, round-the-clock coverage of the conflict, forever changing the landscape of news media. Zaslav emphasized that Turner had “changed the world” with his innovative thinking and was responsible for shaping the careers of countless people in the media business.

Turner, who revealed in 2018 that he is living with Lewy body dementia, was unable to attend the event in person but joined via Zoom to share a few words. His presence, though virtual, was a reminder of the profound impact he has had on both the media industry and on individuals whose careers he helped shape.

Another key figure who paid tribute to Turner was Xernona Clayton, a legendary broadcaster and civil rights activist who was present at the event. Clayton spoke about Turner’s pivotal role in her career, specifically in the 1980s when he made her the first Black woman corporate executive at TBS. Turner appointed her as the director and vice president of public affairs, which was a groundbreaking move at the time. Clayton also shared that Turner’s support was instrumental when she founded the Trumpet Awards in 1993, as he made sure the ceremony was aired on his TBS network, giving it national exposure.

“I just love him,” Clayton said of Turner. “He was always available for people in need, and he was very honest with his answers. When you went to him for questions, he would give you an honest answer, even if you didn’t like the answer.”

Call Me Ted captures Turner’s candidness, as he not only serves as the subject of the series but also narrates it. The docuseries offers an intimate look at Turner’s life, with contributions from his children and actress Jane Fonda, who was once married to him. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of Turner’s blunt and straightforward approach to business, which earned him both admiration and respect from colleagues and peers.

The docuseries, written and directed by Keith Clarke and produced by Joni Levin, offers a comprehensive view of a man who revolutionized the media industry and made a lasting mark on the world. Call Me Ted is now available for streaming on Max and HBO, networks that are all part of the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella, the company Turner founded years ago.

Ted Turner’s influence on the media landscape is undeniable, and Call Me Ted ensures his legacy is remembered for generations to come. His journey from young entrepreneur to media mogul, philanthropist, and cultural icon is chronicled in this heartfelt and revealing series, a fitting tribute to a man who changed the way we consume news and entertainment.