Charles Dolan, the influential founder of major U.S. media companies such as Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has passed away at the age of 98. According to family statements, Dolan died of natural causes.
In a heartfelt announcement, his family expressed their sorrow, highlighting Dolan’s visionary contributions as the founder of HBO and Cablevision.
Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting is significant, marked by the 1972 inception of Home Box Office, widely known as HBO, and the establishment of Cablevision in 1973. He also launched the American Movie Classics channel in 1984 and News 12 in New York City, the first 24-hour local news cable channel in the United States.
Residing primarily in Cove Neck Village on Long Island, Dolan held controlling interests in entities owning Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the professional sports teams New York Knicks and New York Rangers.
His son, James Dolan, currently serves as CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company, overseeing the operations of these iconic venues and teams.
Charles Dolan is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away earlier in 2023.
