Charles Dolan, the trailblazing founder of HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., passed away at the age of 98.
In a statement released Saturday, his family announced, ‘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,’ according to Newsday.
The outlet also reported that he died of natural causes.
Dolan’s groundbreaking contributions to cable television included the 1972 launch of HBO, the creation of Cablevision in 1973, and the establishment of American Movie Classics (AMC) in 1984.
He also launched News 12, the first 24-hour local news channel in the U.S., changing the game for how people stayed up to date on regional news.
Dolan held significant stakes in iconic properties such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers, according to the outlet.
Charles Dolan, the trailblazing founder of HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., passed away at the age of 98; (seen in 2001)
In a statement released Saturday, his family announced, ‘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,’ according to Newsday
His son James Dolan, CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company, continues to oversee these assets, per Newsday.
Newsday is now owned by Dolan’s son Patrick.
Patrick took over when Cablevision acquired Newsday Media Group in 2008.
Dolan is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
His wife Helen Ann Dolan passed away in 2023.
In 2013, Dolan reflected on his legacy as the founder of HBO during an 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 replied.
He went on to explain that HBO’s origins stemmed from his efforts to distribute commercial films more effectively.
Neil Sedaka, Charles Dolan and Diana Feldman
Initially, he provided movies to convention audiences in New York hotels via a wired system, which required a franchise from the city.
To secure the franchise, Dolan launched Teleguide, a news service for hotel guests, and supplemented it with movies during downtime.
Hotel feedback highlighted the superior picture quality of his service, prompting Dolan to expand his vision to serve Manhattan residents.
He successfully obtained a city franchise, marking the foundation of HBO as an innovative television service.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk