Charles Dolan, the pioneering founder of HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at the age of 98.
In a statement issued Saturday, his family announced: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision,” according to news day.
The outlet also reported that he died of natural causes.
Dolan’s groundbreaking contributions to cable television included the launch of HBO in 1972, 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 US, changing the way people stayed up to date on regional news.
Dolan had major 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 pioneering founder of HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at the age of 98; (seen in 2001)
In a statement issued Saturday, his family announced: “It is with deep sadness 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, according to Newsday.
Newsday has been owned by Dolan’s son, Patrick, since 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.