Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision, passed away on December 28th at the age of 98. His impact on the media landscape is undeniable; he was a pioneer who recognized the potential of cable television long before it became a household staple. Even without Dolan’s contributions, other entrepreneurs might have eventually developed the pay-TV market, but he was the first to see and seize the opportunity. In the 1960s, he foresaw the public’s demand for premium entertainment and sports programming, a concept revolutionary at the time.
John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media and a contemporary of Dolan’s, offered a powerful tribute. In a statement to Variety, Malone described Dolan as a partner, vendor, and friend for over fifty years, praising his entrepreneurial brilliance in building the cable industry and creating significant businesses in sports, entertainment, and media. Malone emphasized Dolan’s integrity and courage, his willingness to take risks and innovate without adhering to conventional wisdom. “A better human being does not exist,” Malone declared.
Dolan’s innovative spirit is evident in his creation of American Movie Classics (AMC) in 1984 and Bravo, around the same time. Josh Sapan, former CEO of AMC Networks, highlighted Dolan’s role in establishing the first regional cable sports network and regional news channels through Cablevision’s News12 group. Sapan described Dolan as constantly inventing rather than emulating, embracing change with a clear vision of the future. He also noted Dolan’s unique leadership style, allowing others to take the spotlight, perhaps contributing to the underestimation of his pivotal role in shaping the modern television market.
Dolan’s business acumen was formidable but fair. After launching HBO, he shifted his focus to building Cablevision into a dominant cable operator. His deep understanding of the cable industry was instrumental in its growth. Jeff Bewkes, former CEO of Time Warner and HBO, recalled Dolan’s pragmatic approach to negotiations, balancing firmness with a recognition of the industry’s fragility. Bewkes emphasized Dolan’s integrity, noting that a handshake was sufficient to seal a deal.
The genesis of HBO stemmed from Dolan’s experience at Sterling Television. His work with closed-circuit television in New York hotels highlighted the superior picture quality compared to local broadcasts, sparking the idea for a premium cable service. He recognized the demand for improved picture quality in urban areas and the desire for more diverse programming.
The respect Dolan commanded extended to his competitors. Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, echoed the sentiments of many, describing Dolan as a visionary whose contributions fundamentally changed the industry. He recalled the shared journey of his father, Ralph Roberts (a fellow cable pioneer), and Dolan in shaping the cable industry for six decades.
HBO’s humble beginnings in 1972, initially known as “the Green Channel,” involved a launch to just 365 homes in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The first night’s programming featured a live hockey game and a feature film, an early indication of the diverse programming that would define the channel.
David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, concluded by calling Dolan a visionary creative, an extraordinary business leader, and a great friend whose impact continues to resonate throughout the industry. Dolan’s legacy as a true architect of the modern television marketplace remains secure.