Charles F. Dolan, the influential media executive who transformed American television by founding HBO and Cablevision, died Saturday at his home in Oyster Bay, New York. He was 98.
His family confirmed the death was due to natural causes in a statement released Saturday morning. “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 statement read.
Dolan, whose net worth Forbes estimated at $5.4 billion, built a media empire that revolutionized how Americans consume television content. His creation of Home Box Office (HBO) in 1972 established the first premium cable television service in the United States, while Cablevision, founded in 1973, grew from 1,500 customers into a telecommunications giant.
“Charles Dolan was one of the most significant figures in modern media history,” said James L. Dolan, his son and current CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. “His innovations in cable television created the foundation for today’s entertainment landscape.”
The Cleveland native began his career creating sports newsreels before moving to New York in 1952. He initially produced industrial films but quickly recognized the potential of cable television, launching Sterling Manhattan Cable in 1962.
Under Dolan’s leadership, his family business expanded to control numerous prestigious properties, including:
- Madison Square Garden
- Radio City Music Hall
- New York Knicks
- New York Rangers
- AMC Networks
In 2016, Dolan completed the sale of Cablevision to European telecommunications company Altice for $17.7 billion, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Beyond his business achievements, Dolan served as chairman emeritus of the Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in America.
He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, died in 2023.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, according to the family spokesperson.
The media industry continues to reflect the impact of Dolan’s innovations, from subscription-based content models to regional sports networks. His legacy shapes how millions of Americans access entertainment today.
