Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation, commonly known as Cablevision, was an American telecommunications and mass media company that operated a regional cable television system and owned several media properties in the New York metropolitan area. Founded by Charles Dolan in the 1960s as a cable operator, the company grew into one of the larger cable providers in the United States, offering cable television, broadband internet, and voice services under the Optimum brand. It also owned media assets such as Newsday, the Rainbow Media division (including AMC Networks and related channels), and Madison Square Garden and its associated sports networks.

Over its history, Cablevision expanded through acquisitions and internal growth, contributing to developments in digital cable, on-demand services, and integrated media operations. In 2010, AMC Networks was spun off as an independent company, separating that division from Cablevision. In 2016, Altice N.V. agreed to acquire Cablevision for about $17.7 billion, and the transaction was completed later that year, forming Altice USA. Following the acquisition, the Cablevision corporate entity was dissolved and its assets were reorganized under Altice USA, while the Optimum consumer brand continued to be used.

Cablevision’s legacy includes its role in advancing cable and broadband services in the New York area and its ownership of media properties that were subsequently reorganized under Altice. The Dolan family remained prominent in the entertainment industry, including involvement with Madison Square Garden. Today, Cablevision is considered a defunct company, with its former assets operating under Altice USA or having been divested.