Charles Dolan, who founded Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., among other major U.S. media companies, has died at the age of 98, according to a news release.
His family said in a statement on Saturday that Dolan died of natural causes. Newsday reported Saturday evening
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision,” the statement said.
Newsday is owned by Dolan’s son, Patrick Dolan, after Cablevision bought Newsday Media Group in 2008, the newspaper reported.
Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting included the launch of Home Box Office, now known as HBO, in 1972 and the founding of Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television network in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York, the first 24-hour cable. US local news channel, Newsday reports.
Dolan, headquartered in Cove Neck Village on Long Island, New York, also had controlling stakes in the companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, Newsday reported.
James Dolan, another of Charles Dolan’s sons, is the CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company, which currently controls sports teams and sports and entertainment venues.
Dolan is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, died in 2023, Newsday reported.
