Ted Turner passed away at 87. Bill Brioux says he was a yachtsman who won the America's Cup, a broadcaster who turned small TV stations into a media empire, and a conservationist who ended up owning more than two million acres and 45,000 bison.

The MGM library purchase in the eighties was the move that made everything else possible. He paid $1.5 billion, kept all the films, and used that content to launch Turner Classic Movies and the Cartoon Network, which ran on the Hanna Barbera and Warner Brothers library he now controlled. CNN came out of Atlanta and changed how news was distributed globally.

Bill Brioux traces the later years too: an AOL Time Warner merger that did not go well, attempts to buy Paramount and Warner's back, and a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, the same condition that affected Robin Williams, which defined his final decade. His nickname was the Mouth of the South. His ex-wife Jane Fonda called him her favourite ex-husband.

Topics: Ted Turner, CNN founder, MGM library, Turner Classic Movies, conservationism

GUEST: Bill Brioux | brioux.tv

Originally aired on 2026-05-06

Ted Turner passed away at 87. Bill Brioux says he was a yachtsman who won the America's Cup, a broadcaster who turned small TV stations into a media empire, and a conservationist who ended up owning more than two million acres and 45,000 bison.
The MGM library purchase in the eighties was the move that made everything else possible. He paid $1.5 billion, kept all the films, and used that content to launch Turner Classic Movies and the Cartoon Network, which ran on the Hanna Barbera and Warner Brothers library he now controlled. CNN came out of Atlanta and changed how news was distributed globally.
Bill Brioux traces the later years too: an AOL Time Warner merger that did not go well, attempts to buy Paramount and Warner's back, and a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, the same condition that affected Robin Williams, which defined his final decade. His nickname was the Mouth of the South. His ex-wife Jane Fonda called him her favourite ex-husband.
Topics: Ted Turner, CNN founder, MGM library, Turner Classic Movies, conservationism
GUEST: Bill Brioux | brioux.tv
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-06

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.