Charles F. Dolan, a pioneering figure in the American media industry and founder of iconic companies such as Home Box Office (HBO) and Cablevision Systems, has died at the age of 98. His family announced in a statement that Dolan passed away from natural causes. Known for his visionary contributions to cable broadcasting, Dolan launched HBO in 1972, followed by the creation of Cablevision in 1973, and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984.
Dolan also founded News 12, the first 24-hour cable channel dedicated to local news in the U.S., based in New York City. His influence extended beyond media; he held significant stakes in entities that owned landmarks like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and sports franchises such as the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.
Despite a significant business transaction wherein Cablevision was sold to European telecommunications company Altice for $17.7 billion in 2016, Dolan’s family continued to influence the media landscape. His son James L. Dolan served as CEO of Cablevision until its sale and currently leads Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Patrick Dolan, another son, reacquired control of Newsday Media Group after the sale to Altice.
Dolan’s legacy is marked not only by his business achievements but also by his philanthropic efforts, including establishing The Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research. With a net worth of $5.4 billion, Dolan’s impact remains significant in the media, sports, and entertainment industries. He is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away in 2023.
