Charles F. Dolan, a trailblazing media entrepreneur and the founder of HBO and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at the age of 98. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Saturday, December 28, 2024, attributing his death to 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 statement read.

Dolan’s contributions to the cable broadcasting industry are monumental. He launched HBO (Home Box Office) in 1972, introducing premium cable television to the U.S., followed by the establishment of Cablevision in 1973. In 1984, he co-founded American Movie Classics (AMC) and later revolutionized local news by creating the 24-hour News 12 network in New York City.

Despite dropping out of John Carroll University, Dolan built a media empire. His career culminated in the $17.7 billion sale of Cablevision to Altice in 2016, marking one of the most significant deals in the cable industry.

Beyond cable, Dolan held controlling interests in iconic New York institutions such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the New York Knicks and Rangers sports teams. At the time of his death, Dolan and his family had a reported net worth of $5.4 billion, according to Forbes.

His son, James L. Dolan, served as Cablevision CEO from 1995 to its 2016 sale. James currently serves as the executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., overseeing the Knicks, Rangers, and other properties.

Dolan is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife of many years, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away in 2023. Dolan resided in Cove Neck Village on Long Island until his passing.

Dolan’s entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership leave an enduring legacy in the worlds of media, sports, and entertainment. From transforming how Americans watch television to championing iconic cultural institutions, his influence will be felt for generations.