Charles Dolan, a key figure in the early cable television industry and a prominent media mogul, has passed away at the age of 98. Dolan, who was the driving force behind Cablevision and helped launch major networks like HBO and AMC, also made his mark in sports and entertainment, owning iconic New York venues and teams. His death was reported by Newsday , the Long Island newspaper owned by his family.
Charles Dolan’s Legacy in Cable Television Charles Dolan’s impact on the television industry is monumental. His journey into the world of cable television began in 1961 when he started wiring New York City for cable through the launch of Manhattan Cable Television. By 1971, Dolan had the foresight to create Home Box Office (HBO), a revolutionary service that would partner with Hollywood studios to distribute movies directly to homes.
His visionary use of satellite technology helped accelerate the distribution of cable programming nationwide. From 1973 to 1985, Dolan founded and managed Cablevision, a cable company serving Long Island. During this time, Cablevision became a leading operator in one of the most profitable markets in the country.
Dolan served as CEO from 1985 to 1995, and his company’s programming division later transformed into AMC Networks, which includes channels like AMC, IFC, WeTV, SundanceTV, and BBC America, along with streaming services like AMC+ and Shudder. In 2011, AMC Networks was spun off from Cablevision into a separate company. Dolan was also na.
