Charles F. Dolan, a pioneering media entrepreneur and founder of Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at the age of 98. His family announced his passing due to natural causes in a statement released on December 29, 2024, as reported by Newsday.

Dolan was hailed as a visionary who transformed the television landscape, launching HBO in 1972 as America's first premium cable channel. The following year, he established Cablevision, which ultimately became a significant player in the cable industry. His contributions also included the founding of American Movie Classics in 1984 and News 12, the first 24-hour local news channel in the United States.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career in the media industry producing sports newsreels and later delving into cable television. His vision and drive were instrumental in laying the groundwork for his successful media empire, which at one point included ownership stakes in Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and teams such as the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

In June 2016, Dolan sold Cablevision to European telecommunications company Altice for a reported $17.7 billion, which also included the newspaper Newsday, purchased by Cablevision in 2008. Notably, his legacy continues through his sons James and Patrick Dolan, who have taken on prominent roles in the family business, including owning a majority stake in Newsday Media Group.

Aside from his commercial ventures, Dolan was a dedicated philanthropist and served as the chairman emeritus of The Lustgarten Foundation, a leading private funder of pancreatic cancer research. He is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, following the passing of his wife, Helen Ann Dolan, earlier in 2023. His family’s net worth was estimated at $5.4 billion at the time of his death.

The impact of Charles Dolan on the media, sports, and entertainment industries remains profound, as recognized by statements from MSG Entertainment. "Mr. Dolan’s vision built the foundation for the companies we are today," they noted in a tribute, emphasizing that his innovations will continue to shape the future of media.

For further details, refer to the sources: CNN, USA Today, and The Guardian.