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Call Me Ted
Call Me Ted

2008

Autobiography

by

Ted Turner and Bill Burke

Autobiography of media entrepreneur and CNN founder Ted Turner. This book details his upbringing, sailing passion, and how he built a $10 billion fortune revolutionizing the cable industry. Ted describes his personal struggles, strategies, tactics, battles, and the deals that led to his success.

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Jermaine's Notes
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August 2024

Masterclass on buying, repackaging and distributing content using new technology. Mentions Kirk Kerkorian, John Malone, Bill Gates, Steve Case, and Warren Buffett. Read 2008 paperback.

Connected Posts
Ted Turner Part 1: Maverick in the Making
Ted Turner overcame a tough childhood and his father’s suicide to rebuild his family’s business.
Ted Turner Part 2: From Billboards to Cable TV
Ted Turner became the content king by acquiring TV stations, the Atlanta Braves, and launching CNN.
Ted Turner Part 3: Fighting for Survival
How launching CNN, battling the major networks, and attempting a CBS takeover nearly broke Ted Turner.
Ted Turner Part 4: Becoming the Content King
How Ted Turner acquired MGM, launched TNT, covered a war, and sold his empire for $8 billion.
Ted Turner Part 5: How to Lose $8 Billion
How Ted Turner lost $8 billion and his job during the dot-com crash.
Ted Turner Part 6: What I Learned from the Content King
How Ted Turner's early life shaped him, key factors propelled him, and a unique insight powered him.
I Created a Podcast Series on Ted Turner
The podcast series I created on Ted Turner is live!
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How one visionary and financial engineer built the modern cable TV industry from the ground up. Learn the strategies, deals, and bold moves John Malone used to build a media empire.
Invested $180k for 20% of BET and loaned another $320k. Sold BET stake for $850 million. Cable industry history. Owned cable distribution assets. Deals with Ted Turner, BET, and Kirk Kerkorian. Read 2002 paperback.
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The Gambler
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Recounts how a penniless Armenian immigrant became a billionaire dealmaker. This book recounts Kirk Kerkorian's extraordinary life and how he transformed Las Vegas into a global entertainment mecca. It details his shrewd investments and deals across industries, from aviation and movie studios to luxury hotels and casinos.
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Lead Follow or Get Out of the Way
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May 2025

Biography of Ted Turner, media entrepreneur and founder of CNN and TBS. The book covers the first half of his life, with a detailed focus on 1979–1980. During those years, the author had near-total access to Turner, offering a behind-the-scenes view as he transformed TBS into a national superstation, battled federal regulators, launched CNN, and braved the deadly Fastnet yacht race.
Glimpse into a young Ted Turner's mind and operating style. Lots of direct quotes from Ted. Heavy focus on a difficult period for Ted.
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