Since its launch on June 1, 1980, CNN has come a long way. From a staff of just under 300, it has grown into a leading worldwide media provider with over 4000 staff, 24 branded networks and services that are available to 2 billion people in over 200 countries.

Ted Turner launches CNN:


Ted Turner talks about starting CNN:


You can see the full interview with Ted Turner from Emmy TV Legends here.

As ICN points out, there has been no word from CNN on whether the anniversary will be marked on air with a retrospective, but for anyone with four hours to kill, here's a look back at CNN in the 80's and 90's which aired during the network's 20th anniversary week in 2000.

CNN - The 80's

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13

CNN - The 90's

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13