Charles Dolan, Founder of HBO and Cablevision, Dies at 98

The media pioneer transformed television by launching HBO, Cablevision, and AMC, leaving an enduring legacy in entertainment and sports.

Charles Dolan, a trailblazer in cable television and founder of HBO, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 98 from natural causes.
Dolan launched HBO in 1972, revolutionizing television with the first premium, subscription-based channel offering ad-free movies and live events.
In 1973, he founded Cablevision, which became one of the largest cable providers in the U.S. before being sold to Altice in 2016 for $17.7 billion.
He also created the AMC network in 1984 and News 12, the first 24-hour local news cable channel in the U.S., further shaping the media landscape.
Beyond media, Dolan held controlling stakes in Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers, with his family continuing to oversee these assets.