Charles F. Dolan, the founder of several influential media companies in the United States, including Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) and Cablevision Systems Corp., has passed away at the age of 98. According to a family statement, Dolan died of natural causes, as reported by various sources over the weekend.
His family expressed profound sadness in announcing his death, highlighting him as a beloved father and a visionary figure behind the creation of HBO and Cablevision. Dolan’s significant contributions to the cable television industry began with the launch of HBO in 1972, followed by the establishment of Cablevision in 1973. Additionally, he was involved in founding the American Movie Classics station in 1984 and played a key role in launching News 12 in New York City, which was the first local news channel in the U.S. available 24 hours a day.
Originating from Cleveland, Dolan left John Carroll University before making his mark in media. In June 2016, he finalized the sale of Cablevision to Altice, a European telecommunications firm, for a staggering $17.7 billion. Throughout his career, he also managed substantial interests in companies that owned iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the sports teams, the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.
James L. Dolan, one of his sons, served as CEO of Cablevision from 1995 up until the company’s sale to Altice in 2016. He currently holds the position of executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., which oversees the Knicks and Rangers, among other assets.
In a tribute from MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports, and Sphere Entertainment, Dolan’s notable vision was acknowledged. The statement expressed gratitude for his foundational work in shaping the companies that exist today and underscored the substantial influence he had on the media, sports, and entertainment sectors. They confirmed that his passing would not lead to any expected changes in ownership within the Dolan family.
Additionally, Newsday, which was purchased by Cablevision in 2008, is now under Altice’s control following the sale. Patrick Dolan, another of Charles Dolan’s sons, spearheaded a group that reacquired 75% of Newsday Media Group in July 2016, later obtaining the remaining stake in 2018.
At the time of his passing, the Dolan family’s net worth stood at approximately $5.4 billion, according to financial reports. Beyond his business ventures, Charles Dolan was also the founding member and chairman emeritus of The Lustgarten Foundation, which focuses on research into pancreatic cancer, based in Uniondale, New York.
He is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away earlier in 2023.
