Monday marks 46 years since the launch of CNN

(CNN, KYMA) - Monday marks the 46th anniversary of the genesis of the 24-hour news cycle.

CNN signed on June 1, 1980, and it was a groundbreaking idea from Ted Turner, who had already seen success with his TBS Superstation.

Critics said nonstop news in a world where broadcast news typically lasted 30 minutes a day seemed unlikely to find an audience.

The network truly found its footing in American history 10.5 years later with the Gulf War.

Live reports from three CNN journalists in Baghdad as U.S. forces bombed the city in 1991 cemented the audience appetite for round the clock updates 24/7.

Turner, who passed away last month at the age of 87, famously said at the launch of CNN, "We won't be signing off until the world ends."