The world of business and entertainment is mourning the death of Charles Dolan, one of the biggest names in cable TV, or pay TV, in history.
His legacy includes launching Home Box Office (HBO) in 1972 and founding Cablevision in 1973. He also launched the American Movie Classics television station in 1984 and News 12 in New York City, the first 24-hour cable channel 24 with local channels. new in the United States.
According to a family statement, Dolan died last Saturday (age 28) of natural causes. He was 98 years old and leaves behind 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, died in 2023.
According to Forbes magazine, Dolan is worth an estimated $5.4 billion. Some of his children continue in the business. James Dolan, for example, is executive chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp, a company that owns the Knicks and Rangers franchises. Patrick Dolan is the owner of the communications group Newsday Media.
The legacy of Charles Dolan
Is Dolan the father of cable TV?
The answer is no. Many consider him the father of the subscription service. Or the idea of charging for an exclusive broadcast. The TV wiring, however, is older and dates back to 1948.
A year earlier, in 1947, merchant John Walson began selling televisions in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. But the place is in the middle of the mountains and the signal did not reach well. In other words, your sales haven’t increased.
A year later, in ’48, he had the idea of climbing an antenna on top of a mountain near his shop. Walson then purchased giant cables and connected them to devices in his shop.
This created a commotion in the city and boosted the business of the merchant, who began selling televisions and with them the antenna cabling service.
The idea has been replicated in other small communities. And it evolved in the hands of Ed Parsons, who began using individual antennas and no longer cables.
It is worth underlining, however, that all this was limited to local experiences. Cable TV only became a national phenomenon with Dolan and his HBO in the 1970s.
The information comes from CNN International.
The post Founder of HBO and one of the pioneers of cable TV appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
