The Founding Father of Cable TV: Charles Dolan's Incredible Journey

Charles Dolan, a man who started with just 1, 500 cable TV customers in 1973, grew his business to over 3 million households by 2015. He sold Cablevision for $17. 7 billion to Altice, a European company, which now runs it under the Optimum brand. Dolan, the founder of HBO and pioneer of many cable TV innovations, passed away at 98. He was known for his creative approaches and tough negotiating style.

In the 1960s, Dolan introduced the first urban cable network in Manhattan and offered commercial-free movies through HBO. He also created regional sports networks and local news channels. Despite his business success, Dolan was a humble man who didn’t flaunt his wealth. He even supported his son James, who took over the family business, during difficult times. Dolan’s journey from a small cable start-up to a media empire showcases his vision and determination.

Actions