Media mogul Charles F. Dolan, founder of HBO and Cablevision, dies at 98

Launched in 1972, HBO became the first premium cable channel to offer movies and special events directly to homes, revolutionizing the television landscape and paving the way for future content providers.

By  Storyboard18Dec 30, 2024 11:44 AM
Media mogul Charles F. Dolan, founder of HBO and Cablevision, dies at 98
HBO, under Dolan's leadership, is credited with reshaping television, producing legendary series like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The Wire

Charles F. Dolan, the visionary entrepreneur behind influential media companies, including HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., has passed away at the age of 98. His death was confirmed by a family statement, which indicated he died peacefully from natural causes. "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," the family statement read.

Born in 1926, Dolan's career in the media and cable industries began in 1965 when he established Sterling Information Services, which would later evolve into HBO. Launched in 1972, HBO became the first premium cable channel to offer movies and special events directly to homes, revolutionizing the television landscape and paving the way for future content providers.

In 1973, he founded Cablevision, which became one of the largest cable operators in the United States. At its peak, Cablevision owned stakes in several media properties, including the American Movie Classics (AMC) television network and the New York Knicks basketball team through its affiliation with Madison Square Garden.

Dolan’s media empire was handed over to his son, James L. Dolan, who became CEO of Cablevision and has continued to manage the family’s media interests, which now operate under the umbrellas of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and other ventures. The Dolan family's influence remains significant in New York's media and entertainment sectors.

HBO, under Dolan's leadership, is credited with reshaping television, producing legendary series like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and The Wire, which set new standards for narrative complexity and quality in TV programming.

Beyond his business achievements, Dolan was deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in the field of pancreatic cancer research. He founded The Lustgarten Foundation, a charity dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, in honor of his late brother, who passed away from the disease.

First Published on Dec 30, 2024 11:44 AM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

Over 70% of companies anticipate changes in business model, driven by AI, evolving customer preferences

Over 70% of companies anticipate changes in business model, driven by AI, evolving customer preferences

Brand Makers

Grey India appoints Harsh Kapadia as Chief Creative Officer

Grey India appoints Harsh Kapadia as Chief Creative Officer

Brand Makers

Mauro Porcini joins Samsung Electronics as President & Chief Design Officer

Mauro Porcini joins Samsung Electronics as President & Chief Design Officer

Brand Makers

AKQA's co-founder Tom Bedecarre passes away at 70

AKQA's co-founder Tom Bedecarre passes away at 70

Brand Makers

Indie agency Talented's bold move and how ESOPs can be a game-changer for adland

Indie agency Talented's bold move and how ESOPs can be a game-changer for adland

Brand Makers

'Fevicol is a people's brand', says Pidilite's new CMO Sandeep Tanwani

'Fevicol is a people's brand', says Pidilite's new CMO Sandeep Tanwani

Brand Makers

Movie theatres are never coming back, says Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos

Movie theatres are never coming back, says Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos

Brand Makers

Havells India elevates Rahul Murgai to Executive Vice President

Havells India elevates Rahul Murgai to Executive Vice President