Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: ABC News/AP

December 28, 2024, 11:29 PM


Charles Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98, according to a news report.

A statement issued Saturday by his family said Dolan died of natural causes, Newsday reported late Saturday. “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 said.

Newsday is owned by Dolan’s son, Patrick Dolan, following Cablevision's purchase of Newsday Media Group in 2008, the newspaper reported.

Dolan's legacy in cable broadcasting includes the 1972 launch of Home Box Office, commonly known as HBO, and founding Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first 24-hour cable channel for local news in the U.S., Newsday reported.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/charles-dolan-hbo-cablevision-founder-dies-98-117173624

[Bengus81]

1. Pretty smart guy to get customers to pay for what was free and STILL be bombarded with commercials

I still remember the "promise" of less commercials when paying for cable TV.

[Polybius]

2. The promise was true in many ways

I had HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, etc. from the 80' till around 2005. No movie or TV show (Sopranos) that I watched ever had a commercial from start to finish.

Unless you're talking about commercials before the movie/show starts?

[Bengus81]

4. Yeah...but that was an add on to Cablevision which not that many could afford

on top of the Cable rates. My point is basic Cable TV,well known that the amount of commercials kept increasing year after year along with the rates. I finally canned mine 7-8 years ago after having it for 35 years when I realized I was paying about $60 per month (basic package) to watch commercials.

[ZonkerHarris]

3. One less right wing Trump humper. Buh bye.

[Javaman]

5. I worked for cablevision back in the 80's. that's when cablevision was voted one of the worst places to work.

I can attest to that.

fuck him. glad he's dead.