Charles Dolan, the founder of HBO and Cablevision, has passed away at the age of 98. His family announced his death, attributing it to natural causes. Dolan’s career began in New York City in 1952 when he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, which had exclusive agreements with New York pro-sports teams. In 1972, he established Home Box Office (HBO), the first premium cable channel that would change the way people watched television. The following year, he founded Cablevision, where he served as Chairman.
Dolan’s family, with a net worth of $5.4 billion according to Forbes, has been involved in various media ventures. Aside from HBO and Cablevision, Dolan also founded News12 in New York City, the first 24-hour cable channel for local news in the US. The Dolan family owns Madison Square Garden, and Dolan’s son, James Dolan, is the Executive Chairman of the New York Knicks. Dolan’s wife, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away in 2023. He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Charles Dolan was a visionary leader in the media industry who transformed the way people consumed television content. His establishment of HBO and Cablevision laid the groundwork for the growth of the cable industry and the development of premium programming. Dolan’s legacy extends beyond his business ventures to include his impact on the sports industry, with exclusive agreements with New York pro-sports teams contributing to the success of his cable ventures.
Dolan’s contributions to the media industry have left a lasting impact on how people access news, sports, and entertainment. His dedication to innovation paved the way for a new era in television viewing, with HBO becoming a leader in premium cable programming. Throughout his career, Dolan remained committed to providing quality content to viewers, establishing News12 as a pioneer in local news broadcasting.
Despite his success in business, Dolan’s family remained at the center of his life. Survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, Dolan’s legacy includes his commitment to his family and their ongoing involvement in media and sports enterprises. The Dolan family’s ownership of Madison Square Garden further solidifies their place in the media and entertainment landscape, with their influence extending beyond cable television to live events and sports.
Charles Dolan’s passing marks the end of an era in the media industry, but his legacy will continue to resonate in the programs and services he helped create. As the founder of HBO and Cablevision, Dolan was a trailblazer in premium cable programming and local news broadcasting. His impact on the media landscape will be felt for years to come, with his family carrying on his vision for quality content and innovation in the industry. Dolan’s contributions have made a lasting impression on the world of television and media, leaving an indelible mark on how we consume information and entertainment.
