Ted Turner: Star of Hollywood's Big Cliff-Hanger

1963 - Inherited father's businesses, except for an outdoor advertising firm, which soon he bought back and made the keystone of his business.

Jan., 1970 - Acquired Channel 17 in Atlanta and named it WTCG. It later became "superstation" WTBS

Sept., 1976 - Acquired the Atlanta Braves professional baseball team, and later acquired the Atlanta Hawks professional basketball team.

Dec., 1976 - WTBS became first to broadcast via satellite to cable systems around the United States.

Sept., 1977 - Successfully defended the America's Cup in yachting.

June, 1980 - Started Cable News Network as first 24-hour news broadcaster.

Jan. 1, 1982 - Started CNN Headline News

Oct. 12, 1983 - Bought out Satellite News Channel for $25 million, winning a 2-year battle against CNN's competitor.

April, 1984 - Unsuccessfully bid to buy ESPN, the all-sports cable TV network, which was sold to ABC.

Oct.26, 1984 - Launched Cable Music Channel.

Nov. 28, 1984 - Sold Cable Music Channel, three weeks after disclosing it had 83% fewer subscribers than it had claimed the previous week.

April, 1985 - Launched unfriendly $5.4-billion attempt to take over CBS.

Aug.7, 1985 - Agreed to buy MGM/UA for more than $1 billion and simultaneously ends unsuccessful bid for CBS., JIM OWENS / Los Angeles Times