Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder who was a ‘trailblazer in the television industry’, dies at 98

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billionaire media mogul Charles Dolan died of natural causes on Saturday, December 28, at the age of 98, his family shared in an announcement, 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," read the statement.

"Remembered as both a trailblazer in the television industry and a devoted family man, his legacy will live on," the family said. 

Donal is regarded as a pioneer in his field. His groundbreaking contributions include launching the Home Box Office (HBO) in 1972, creating Cablevision in 1973, as well as setting up American Movie Classics (AMC) in 1984.

The legacy of Charles Dolan

A dropout of John Carroll University, Charles Dolan successfully transformed a small cable TV business on Long Island into a mammoth entertainment, sports, and telecom empire.

The Cleveland is also credited with launching the first 24-hour local news channel in the United States, News 12, reported the Daily Mail. The billionaire also held significant states in iconic properties such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers.

According to the Associated Press, Dolan and his family had a collective net worth of $5.4 billion at the time of his death. Dolan is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife Helen Ann passed away in 2023.

Charles Dolan's assets continue to be overseen by his son James Dolan, CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company, according to Newsday. The publication itself is owned by his other son Patrick, who took over when Newsday Media Group was acquired by Cablevision in 2008.

Reflecting on his legacy, Dolan stated during a 2013 interview with the Annenberg School for Communication Library Archives, "To the extent that I was involved in the start of Home Box Office, I'm very proud of it - proud of what has been accomplished by all the people who have been with Home Box Office since its beginning."

He explained that HBO was formed as a result of his efforts to more effectively distribute commercial films. He initially provided movies to convention audiences in New York hotels via a wired system.

It required a franchise from the city, to secure which Dolan launched a news service for hotel guests called Teleguide, and supplemented it with movies during downtime.

The feedback highlighted the superior picture quality of his service, leading him to expand in Manhattan and ultimately founding HBO after obtaining a city franchise.

Internet pays tribute to Charles Dolan

Netizens paid their respects to Charles Dolan after the news of his death spread. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"The passing of Charles Dolan is sad news for all of us who broke into the NHL tv business with Chuck's founding of SportsChannel. Dolan was a gentleman, a scholar, a visionary and -- best of all -- just a great guy to work for and to know. R.I.P. Boss," shared journalist Stan Fischler.

"If it wasn’t for Charles Dolan, we would’ve never sat in front of our TVs every Saturday night at 7:00 with this intro…..when you had to wait months for a movie at the theaters to premiere on cable TV! What a time. R.I.P." shared another user.

"Without Charles Dolan, we wouldn’t have The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, The Wire, or Curb Your Enthusiasm. RIP," expressed a third.

"RIP trailblazer," wrote one user.

"Truly a pioneer and at the forefront of expanding media in America," echoed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.