Anthony Painter

What does Ted Turner have to do to get some respect? He’s one of the US’ most successful media figures. He established CNN. He married Jane Fonda. He is the largest private landowner in the US *and* he’s one of the nation’s leading philanthropists, donating $1billion to enable the establishment of the UN Foundation which promotes the UN’s work.

He turns up to a plush event hosted by the Foundation in the opulent surroundings of The Plaza hotel on the south side of New York’s Central Park where he is platformed with Queen Rania, Jeffrey Sachs, and…Bob Geldof. In an event rather more reminiscent of a Wall Street networking party than a meet-up focusing on global poverty, up steps the Irish singer-songwriter and global poverty campaigner to give one of his impassioned trademark speeches complete with lectern thumping.

Half way through the extemporised address Geldof turns to the subject of making Africa an economic success by 2040. Glancing across at Turner, he waves a dismissive thumb in the media magnate’s direction. “Of course I won’t be around. And nor will Turner. Turner will be long gone.” The remarks didn’t go down well at all with Mr Turner. It was all he could do not to walk out. Surely $1billion should get you a little respect?