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Charles Dolan, founder of HBO and Cablevision, dies at 98
Dolan is survived by 6 children, 19 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren

Charles Dolan, founder of HBO and Cablevision, dies at 98

Dec 29, 2024
06:37 pm

What's the story

Charles Dolan, the visionary behind many of US's top media firms including Home Box Office (HBO) and Cablevision Systems Corp, has passed away at the age of 98. His family confirmed his death from natural causes in a statement. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan," the statement read.

Media legacy

Significant contributions to US media landscape

Dolan's major contributions to the US media landscape include the launch of HBO in 1972 and founding Cablevision in 1973. He launched the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. Dolan also launched News 12 in New York City, which was the first 24-hour cable channel for local news in the US.

Diverse portfolio

His business interests extended beyond media

Beyond his media ventures, Dolan also held controlling interests in companies that owned iconic New York landmarks and sports teams. These included the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers. His son James Dolan now serves as CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company, which now oversees these sports teams and entertainment venues.

Family ties

Dolan's family continues his legacy

Dolan's legacy also lives on through Newsday, a newspaper owned by his son Patrick Dolan. The latter acquired the newspaper after Cablevision bought Newsday Media Group in 2008. Dolan is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren as well as five great grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away in 2023.