When most people hear the name Turner, they immediately think of the bold media mogul who founded CNN and revolutionized the news industry. However, the legacy of this American dynasty extends beyond just one man. Robert Edward Turner IV, often known by his nickname “Teddy,” is the eldest son of Ted Turner and a fascinating figure in his own right. While he shares his father’s name and passion for sailing, Robert Edward Turner IV has charted a very different course in life, moving from media to maritime business, and eventually into education and conservative politics.
This article delves deep into the life of Robert Edward Turner IV, exploring his biography, career, family life, and the unique dynamic he shares with his famous father. From his days behind a camera in Moscow to his campaign for Congress in South Carolina, here is the complete story of the man who carries the Turner name.
Quick Bio of Robert Edward Turner IV
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Edward Turner IV |
| Nickname | Teddy Turner |
| Birth Year | 1963 |
| Current Age | Early 60s (approx. 62) |
| Father | Ted Turner |
| Mother | Julia Gale Nye (Judy Nye) |
| Education | The Citadel (B.S. Business Admin, 1985) |
| Occupation | Economics Teacher, Businessman |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Wife | Blair Turner |
| Children | Robert Edward V, Riley, Seldon |
| Residence | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Key Interest | Sailing & Maritime History |
The Early Life of Robert Edward Turner IV
Born in 1963, Robert Edward Turner IV is the first son of Ted Turner and his first wife, Julia Gale Nye (often referred to as Judy Nye). His birth marked the continuation of the Turner naming tradition, making him the fourth Robert Edward in the line. As of 2025, Robert Edward Turner IV age is roughly 62 years old, placing him in a seasoned stage of his life where he has established his own identity separate from his father’s massive shadow.
His upbringing was anything but ordinary. Growing up as the son of a rapidly rising business tycoon meant that Robert Edward Turner IV was exposed to high-pressure environments early on. However, his parents divorced in 1964 when he was still a toddler. Robert Edward Turner IV mother, Julia Gale Nye, was a formidable woman in her own right and the daughter of Harry Gale Nye Jr., a two-time Star World Championship sailor and Chicago industrialist. This lineage suggests that Teddy’s love for the water came from both sides of his family tree.
For his education, Robert Edward Turner IV chose a path that emphasized discipline and leadership. He attended The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. This military school background played a significant role in shaping his worldview, instilling in him a sense of structure and conservative values that would later define his political career.
A Career in Media: Following in Footsteps
It is almost impossible to be a Turner and not spend some time in the media industry. After graduating from college, Robert Edward Turner IV joined the family business, Turner Broadcasting System. Unlike some heirs who immediately take comfortable executive roles, Teddy worked in the field.
His most notable stint was at the CNN Moscow bureau during a pivotal time in world history. Working as a cameraman and editor, he witnessed the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Soviet Union. This experience gave Robert Edward Turner IV a front-row seat to the Cold War’s end and the era of Mikhail Gorbachev. It was a gritty, hands-on role that allowed him to earn his stripes in the broadcasting world without simply relying on his last name.
Later, he worked in promotions and project management for Turner Home Entertainment and Country Music Television (CMT). Despite these successes, Robert Edward Turner IV eventually realized that his true calling lay outside the corporate media towers of Atlanta. He sought a life that connected him more directly with his other passions: the ocean and his local community.
The Sailing Legacy of Robert Edward Turner IV
If there is one thread that binds Ted Turner Robert Edward Turner IV and the rest of the family together, it is sailing. Ted Turner is legendary in the sailing world, having successfully defended the America’s Cup in 1977 aboard the yacht Courageous. Robert Edward Turner IV inherited this saltwater DNA and became an accomplished sailor himself.
Between 1989 and 1993, Robert Edward Turner IV served as the president and skipper of Challenge America, Ltd. This was a campaign for the prestigious Whitbread Round the World Race, one of the most grueling sailing competitions on the planet. Leading such a campaign requires not just sailing skill, but immense logistical and leadership ability.
After his time racing, he turned his passion into a business. He founded Charleston Boatworks, a yacht repair and brokerage company based in South Carolina. For ten years, he ran this business, solidifying his reputation in the maritime community not as a billionaire’s son, but as a capable entrepreneur who understood boats inside and out. His work in this sector also led him to serve as the Chairman of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, where he worked to support maritime heritage and education.
Robert Edward Turner IV vs. Ted Turner: The Political Divide
One of the most interesting aspects of Robert Edward Turner IV is his political identity. Ted Turner is famously liberal. He is known for his environmental activism, his $1 billion gift to the United Nations, and his generally progressive stance on world issues. In sharp contrast, Robert Edward Turner IV is a staunch conservative.
This difference became public knowledge in 2013 when Teddy announced his candidacy for the U.S. Congress. He ran in the Republican primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, a seat left vacant by Tim Scott. During his campaign, Robert Edward Turner IV championed fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and a pro-business agenda. He was also open about his skepticism regarding the severity of man-made climate change, a position that stood in direct opposition to his father’s life work.
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Despite these differences, the relationship between Ted Turner Robert Edward Turner IV remained intact. Teddy often joked on the campaign trail that his father asked him, “How the heck did you become so conservative?” He attributed his views to his time at The Citadel and his experiences as a small business owner. Although Robert Edward Turner IV did not win the primary coming in fourth with about 7.9% of the vote—his campaign proved that he was his own man, unafraid to voice opinions that differed from the family narrative.
Current Career: The Educator
After his business ventures and political run, Robert Edward Turner IV took a surprising turn in his career path. He became a high school teacher. Currently, he teaches economics at the Charleston Collegiate School, a private school in South Carolina.
This role allows him to share his real-world business knowledge with the next generation. It is a testament to his desire to serve his community in a direct and personal way. Teaching economics is a fitting role for someone who has managed businesses, worked in global media, and run for office on a platform of fiscal conservatism. It also keeps him grounded and connected to the daily lives of families in the Charleston area, far removed from the high-flying lifestyle often associated with media dynasties.
Robert Edward Turner IV Net Worth
A common question surrounding the Turner family is regarding their wealth. People often search for Robert Edward Turner IV net worth expecting a figure similar to his father’s. Ted Turner has an estimated net worth of approximately $2.2 billion largely derived from the sale of Turner Broadcasting to Time Warner.
While Robert Edward Turner IV does not have a publicly disclosed net worth, it is safe to assume he is financially well-off. Beyond his inheritance prospects, he has generated his own income through Charleston Boatworks and his various salaried positions. Furthermore, he serves on the boards of several family-controlled entities, including Turner Enterprises, Inc. and the Jane Smith Turner Foundation. These positions suggest he plays an active role in managing the family’s vast assets and philanthropic endeavors, ensuring the Turner legacy continues to thrive financially.
Personal Life: Wife and Children
Robert Edward Turner IV leads a relatively private life in the scenic Lowcountry of South Carolina. He is married to Blair Turner. Together, the couple has built a life centered around family and community service.
They have three children. Their eldest son is Robert Edward Turner V, continuing the family naming tradition for a fifth generation. They also have a daughter named Riley and a younger son named Seldon. The family resides in Charleston, a city that aligns perfectly with Teddy’s love for history and the ocean.
Information regarding Robert Edward Turner IV wiki details often highlights his simple lifestyle compared to other heirs. He is known to be a dedicated father and husband, often seen participating in local events rather than chasing the global spotlight. His decision to raise his family in South Carolina, rather than New York or Los Angeles, reflects his preference for a quieter, more traditional life.
Philanthropy and Board Memberships
Philanthropy is a core value of the Turner family, and Robert Edward Turner IV is deeply involved in this sector. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has been involved with the South Carolina Aquarium.
His most significant role is likely his involvement with Turner Enterprises and the family foundations. These organizations focus on land conservation, environmental protection, and renewable energy. Even though Robert Edward Turner IV may disagree with his father on specific climate policies, they share a deep love for nature and wildlife conservation. The Turner family owns roughly two million acres of land in North America, and Teddy helps oversee the management of these vast holdings, which include the largest private bison herd in the world.
Robert Edward Turner IV Contact Information
For those seeking to reach him, finding direct Robert Edward Turner IV contact information can be difficult as he is a private citizen. However, because of his board memberships, he can often be reached through the corporate offices of the family business.
The best way to contact him for business or philanthropic inquiries is through Turner Enterprises, Inc. based in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, inquiries related to his maritime work can sometimes be directed to the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. As an educator, he is also technically reachable through the Charleston Collegiate School, though this channel is generally reserved for academic matters and parents of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Robert Edward Turner IV?
He is the eldest son of media mogul Ted Turner. Known as “Teddy,” he is a businessman, sailor, and high school economics teacher. - What is Robert Edward Turner IV’s net worth?
While his exact personal net worth is undisclosed, he is part of the Turner family dynasty, which holds a fortune estimated at over $2 billion. - How do Robert Edward Turner IV’s politics differ from his father’s?
Unlike his father Ted Turner, who is a well-known liberal, Teddy is a staunch conservative and ran for Congress as a Republican in 2013. - Who is the mother of Robert Edward Turner IV?
His mother is Julia Gale Nye (Judy Nye), Ted Turner’s first wife, who was the daughter of a wealthy Chicago industrialist and sailor. - What does Robert Edward Turner IV do for a living now?
After years in media and the yachting business, he currently works as an economics teacher at the Charleston Collegiate School in South Carolina.
Conclusion
Robert Edward Turner IV is a man of many layers. To some, he is simply the son of Ted Turner. To others, he is “Teddy,” the conservative politician, the skilled sailor, or the high school economics teacher.
His life story is one of independence. Rather than coasting on his family’s massive fortune, Robert Edward Turner IV went out into the world to build his own boats, run his own businesses, and form his own political opinions. He honors his father’s legacy not by mimicking it, but by displaying the same stubborn, independent spirit that made the Turner name famous in the first place. Whether he is navigating the waters of the Atlantic or the complexities of a classroom discussion, Robert Edward Turner IV remains a unique and influential figure in the American landscape.
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