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Charles F. Dolan, the trailblazing founder of Home Box Office (HBO) and Cablevision Systems Corporation, passed away at the age of 98. His family confirmed he died of natural causes, according to Newsday.
“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,” the Dolan family stated on Saturday.
Dolan’s groundbreaking contributions to the media and cable industries are unparalleled. He launched HBO in 1972, a pioneering premium cable network, and established Cablevision in 1973. In 1984, he introduced American Movie Classics (AMC), a channel that became a staple of classic film broadcasting.
In addition to his influence in cable television, Dolan revolutionized local news with the creation of News 12, a 24-hour news network in New York City. Despite dropping out of John Carroll University, Dolan built an extensive media empire, highlighted by the $17.7 billion sale of Cablevision to Altice in 2016.
At the time of his death, Dolan maintained controlling stakes in iconic New York institutions, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the New York Knicks and Rangers sports teams. His primary residence was in Cove Neck Village, Long Island.
Dolan’s legacy continues through his son, James L. Dolan, who served as CEO of Cablevision from 1995 until its sale. James now leads Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. as executive chairman and CEO, overseeing the Knicks and Rangers franchises.
Charles Dolan and his family had an estimated net worth of $5.4 billion at the time of his death, Forbes reported.
He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, predeceased him in 2023.