Charles Dolan, a visionary figure who revolutionized the television landscape as a pioneer of cable TV, has died at the age of 98. The founder of Cablevision and HBO, and the driving force behind the acquisition of Madison Square Garden and its associated ventures, Dolan’s impact on the media and entertainment industry is undeniable.
Dolan’s family announced his passing on Saturday, citing natural causes, Newsday reported. The statement acknowledged his profound influence: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision.”
His indelible legacy in cable broadcasting is marked by groundbreaking achievements. In 1972, he launched Home Box Office (HBO), which would redefine premium television. A year later, in 1973, he established Cablevision, further expanding access to cable services. 1984 saw the creation of American Movie Classics (AMC), catering to film enthusiasts. Demonstrating his commitment to local news, Dolan also launched News 12 in New York City, the first 24-hour cable channel dedicated to local news in the United States, according to Newsday.
Thomas Maier in Newsday aptly captured Dolan’s broader significance: “Though his personal generosity and business acumen will be remembered by many Long Islanders, Charles Dolan’s lasting legacy is in the power of ideas that helped transform television, the defining medium of our age, and the American society it reflected.”
A Cleveland native who pursued his entrepreneurial spirit after leaving John Carroll University, Dolan finalized the sale of Cablevision to Altice, a European telecommunications and cable giant, for $17.7 billion in June 2016. His primary residence was in Cove Neck Village, Long Island, New York. Beyond cable television, Dolan held controlling interests in entities encompassing Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers, as reported by Newsday.
James L. Dolan, his son, served as Cablevision CEO from 1995 until the Altice acquisition in 2016. He currently holds the position of executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., which includes the Knicks and Rangers franchises in its portfolio, according to the MSG Sports website.
Newsday, acquired by Cablevision in 2008, also transitioned to Altice control with the sale. Another son, Patrick Dolan, spearheaded a group that reacquired 75% of Newsday Media Group in July 2016, subsequently purchasing the remaining 25% stake in 2018.
At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Charles Dolan and his family’s net worth at $5.4 billion.
Dolan’s commitment extended to philanthropy as a founder and chairman emeritus of The Lustgarten Foundation in Uniondale, New York, dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.
He is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, predeceased him in 2023, Newsday noted.
Charles Dolan’s pioneering spirit in cable television irrevocably shaped the media landscape we know today, leaving a lasting impact as a true innovator.
