Marc Nathanson | $1B+
Get in touch with Marc Nathanson | Marc Nathanson, cable television pioneer and philanthropist, helped shape the modern media landscape as a founding figure in the early cable industry. As founder of Falcon Cable TV in the 1970s, he built and later sold one of the largest cable operators in the United States, playing a formative role in the expansion of broadband and pay television. Nathanson went on to serve as U.S. ambassador to Norway and became a major force in philanthropy through the Nathanson Family Foundation, supporting education, public health, and cultural institutions. His career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial foresight, public service, and long-term civic impact.
Marc B. Nathanson (born May 12, 1945) is an American entrepreneur and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway from 2022 to 2024.[1][2]
Nathanson built a prominent career in the cable television industry, founding Falcon Cable TV in 1975 and expanding it into the seventh-largest cable operator in the United States before selling the company to Charter Communications in 1999 for $3.7 billion.[3][4]
Following his business success, he chaired Mapleton Investments, a private investment firm, and engaged in environmental initiatives through Falcon Waterfree Technologies, which develops waterless urinals to conserve resources.[3][5]
As ambassador, Nathanson advanced U.S.-Norway relations amid Arctic strategic interests and NATO cooperation, including establishing an American Presence Post in Tromsø to bolster presence in the High North.[2][6]
Early life
Childhood and family background
Marc B. Nathanson was born on May 12, 1945, in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.[1]
His father relocated the family to Los Angeles around that time in an attempt to establish a career as a screenwriter.[1]
When Nathanson was six months old, the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, before settling in the Chicago suburbs of Illinois by 1949, where he spent much of his childhood first in Glencoe and later in Highland Park.[1]
Nathanson's father was active in advertising and broadcasting, while his grandfather operated as a movie distributor, providing an early familial connection to media and entertainment industries.[5]
Education
Nathanson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Denver in 1967.[7][3]
He subsequently pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he received a Master of Arts in political science in 1969, supported by a National Science Foundation fellowship.[7][3][8]
Business career
Entry into the cable television industry
Nathanson entered the cable television industry in the mid-1960s as a door-to-door salesman, promoting subscriptions directly to households in rural areas such as Viroqua, Wisconsin, and International Falls, Minnesota.[9] [10] This grassroots role provided early exposure to customer acquisition challenges in nascent cable markets, where penetration rates were low due to limited infrastructure and competition from broadcast TV.[11]
Following his graduate studies, Nathanson advanced to operational roles, including management positions at Harriscope Broadcasting and its subsidiary Cypress Communications, starting in 1969 in Los Angeles.[1] At Cypress, he focused on marketing and programming, contributing to expansion efforts amid regulatory hurdles like the FCC's signal carriage restrictions that constrained cable growth. He later served as vice president of marketing and programming at TelePrompTer Corporation, where he negotiated the first affiliate agreement for Home Box Office (HBO) in 1972, marking a pivotal step in premium cable channel development.[5]
These experiences honed Nathanson's expertise in subscriber growth, content acquisition, and navigating franchise negotiations with local governments, setting the stage for independent ventures by the mid-1970s. By 1973, he had held executive stints at Warner Cable, further building operational acumen in a fragmented industry characterized by high capital costs for coaxial infrastructure and reliance on local monopolies.[12]
Founding and expansion of Falcon Cable
Marc B. Nathanson founded Falcon Cable in 1975 with a personal investment of $25,000, establishing initial operations in Northern California as a small cable television provider targeting underserved markets.[11][4]
The company pursued aggressive expansion through targeted acquisitions of existing cable systems, focusing on rural and small-city areas where competition was limited and growth potential existed via consolidation. By 1992, Falcon had grown to serve over 1 million subscribers across 26 states, with more than 75% of its customer base obtained from acquired properties; annual revenue reached $221 million in 1991, reflecting an 18% increase from the prior year, while cash flow stood at $130 million, up 22%.[11] At that time, the enterprise carried a gross valuation of approximately $2 billion, netting $1 billion after debt.[11]
Key expansion initiatives in the early 1990s included the May 1992 formation of Falcon Video Communications, capitalized at $58 million, to acquire a 67,000-subscriber system in North Carolina, and a joint venture with Belo Corp. to purchase five additional systems totaling 70,000 subscribers in suburban markets nationwide.[11][13] Nathanson, as chairman and CEO of Falcon Holding Group, leveraged these strategies to build a politically connected operator emphasizing operational efficiencies in fragmented regions.[11]
By the late 1990s, Falcon's footprint encompassed major clusters in California, the Pacific Northwest, Missouri, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia, passing about 1.6 million homes and serving roughly 1 million subscribers, culminating in a $3.6 billion cash-and-stock acquisition by Charter Communications in 1999.[14]
Later ventures and investments
Following the $3.7 billion sale of Falcon Communications to Charter Communications in 1999, Nathanson founded Falcon Waterfree Technologies, a company developing water conservation solutions, including waterless urinals designed to reduce water usage in commercial buildings by eliminating flush mechanisms.[15] [16] As chairman, Nathanson positioned the firm as a global leader in sustainable sanitation technology, with products installed in high-profile venues to address urban water efficiency challenges; in 2009, he received the Global Green Millennium Award for advancing green innovations through this venture.[16] [7]
Nathanson also directed investments into real estate development, acquiring and managing commercial and residential properties in prime locations, often emphasizing value-add opportunities in Southern California and beyond.[5] These holdings contributed to a diversified portfolio exceeding $1 billion in assets under management by the 2010s, including stakes in technology and infrastructure sectors aligned with environmental and operational efficiencies.[17] Additionally, he served as an independent director for Trine Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company targeting mergers in sustainable industries, receiving compensation including 25,000 shares in 2020.[18]
Leadership in Mapleton Investments
Nathanson founded Mapleton Investments LLC in 1999, utilizing proceeds from the sale of his prior communications enterprise, Falcon Cable Systems, to establish a diversified investment vehicle.[19] Under his leadership as chairman, the firm has evolved into a holding company managing a portfolio of global ventures, with a primary emphasis on real estate development and operations.[15] This includes ownership and management of multi-family residential, mixed-use, retail, medical office, traditional office, and industrial properties across various markets.
As of 2024, Mapleton Investments oversees assets valued in excess of $1 billion, reflecting Nathanson's strategic direction in pursuing opportunistic investments in undervalued sectors.[17] The company's subsidiary, Mapleton Properties, exemplifies this approach by focusing on value-add acquisitions and repositioning of underperforming assets into high-yield performers, often through targeted capital improvements and operational enhancements.[19] Nathanson's hands-on oversight has emphasized long-term value creation over short-term gains, leveraging his extensive experience in scaling businesses from the cable industry.[7]
Following his confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Norway in 2022, Nathanson temporarily stepped back from day-to-day operations but maintained strategic involvement; by early 2024, he resumed his roles as chairman and chief executive, guiding the firm through post-pandemic market recoveries and expansion opportunities.[21] His leadership has positioned Mapleton as a resilient player in private equity and real estate, with investments spanning domestic and select international opportunities, though specific portfolio details remain proprietary.[22] This continuity underscores Nathanson's commitment to prudent risk management and alignment with macroeconomic trends, such as shifts in commercial real estate demand.[23]
Public service
Role in the Broadcasting Board of Governors
Marc B. Nathanson was appointed to the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) by President Bill Clinton on June 20, 1995, as one of the initial members of the bipartisan board overseeing U.S. government-funded international broadcasting entities, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia.[24] His term as a member extended until 2002, during which the BBG managed a budget exceeding $500 million annually and broadcast in over 60 languages to audiences worldwide, emphasizing non-propaganda journalism and U.S. foreign policy objectives without direct editorial interference.[25][26]
In October 1998, President Clinton announced his intent to appoint Nathanson as Chairman of the BBG, a position confirmed by the U.S. Senate, allowing him to lead the board through the transition to the George W. Bush administration.[27] Nathanson served in this capacity from 1998 to 2002, presiding over strategic decisions amid post-Cold War shifts in global media landscapes, including expansions in digital and shortwave broadcasting to regions with limited press freedoms.[25] Under his leadership, the BBG maintained its statutory independence as a "firewall" against political influence, a principle Nathanson emphasized in congressional testimony, arguing it preserved credibility in countering adversarial state media.[26]
During his chairmanship, Nathanson addressed emerging challenges such as the September 11, 2001, attacks, directing enhanced coverage and resource allocation for Middle Eastern broadcasts to combat misinformation in the war on terrorism; in June 2002 remarks, he highlighted new developments in U.S. international broadcasting's role in promoting democratic values and countering extremist narratives.[28] The U.S. House of Representatives honored his tenure in September 2002 via a congressional resolution commending his contributions to the board's effectiveness and bipartisan governance.[29] Nathanson's service concluded in 2002, after which the BBG continued evolving into the U.S. Agency for Global Media in 2018.[25]
Service as U.S. Ambassador to Norway
Marc B. Nathanson was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway on October 29, 2021.[30] The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on May 5, 2022, via voice vote.[31] Nathanson presented his credentials to King Harald V on June 16, 2022, formally assuming the role.[32]
During his tenure, Nathanson prioritized strengthening the U.S.-Norway alliance amid evolving geopolitical challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Arctic security concerns. He played a key role in establishing the American Presence Post in Tromsø, Norway's northernmost city, announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 1, 2023, to enhance U.S. diplomatic engagement in the High North and support Arctic stewardship.[33] This initiative aimed to increase U.S. visibility in the region and foster business interest from American companies.[34] Nathanson also oversaw the signing of two supplemental U.S.-Norwegian military treaties and the establishment of a partnership between the Minnesota National Guard and Norwegian forces, bolstering NATO interoperability.[2]
Nathanson actively supported Ukraine, participating in Norway's "Norway together with Ukraine" Solidarity March in February 2023 alongside embassy staff.[35] He emphasized the importance of NATO's northern flank, commenting on Sweden and Finland's accession bids in March 2023 as critical responses to Russian threats.[36] Additionally, he advocated for the Arctic Council's continuity despite disruptions from Russia's actions.[37] Nathanson departed the post in late February 2024, after nearly two years of service, citing it as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.[38][39]
Post-ambassador engagements
Following the conclusion of his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Norway in early 2024, Nathanson resumed his position as chairman of Mapleton Investments LP, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm focused on media, entertainment, and real estate sectors, after a two-year hiatus during his diplomatic service.[21][40]
Nathanson has participated in public speaking and advisory roles leveraging his diplomatic experience, including delivering the commencement address at the University of Denver on June 13, 2024, where he emphasized three key lessons for navigating personal and professional challenges: resilience, ethical decision-making, and continuous learning.[8] In January 2025, he addressed the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills, providing reflections on U.S.-Norway relations, Arctic security, and diplomatic insights from his ambassadorship.[41]
He has also engaged in forums for former ambassadors, such as a September 2025 roundtable discussion hosted by the Council of American Ambassadors, where he shared perspectives on Nordic security and U.S. foreign policy alongside other ex-diplomats.[42] Additionally, Nathanson appeared as a speaker at the Aspen Ideas Festival in 2025, discussing his role in establishing the U.S. American Presence Post in Tromsø and broader transatlantic alliances.[2] These engagements highlight his continued involvement in public diplomacy and policy discourse post-tenure.[40]
Philanthropy
Support for arts and culture
The Jane and Marc Nathanson Family Foundation, established in 1989, has directed significant philanthropic resources toward arts institutions in Los Angeles, including financial contributions and artwork donations.[43] In January 2008, the foundation provided a $10 million endowment to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) specifically to support the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, enhancing public access to modern and contemporary collections.[44]
The Nathansons have also committed promised gifts of contemporary artworks to LACMA, announced in recognition of the museum's 50th anniversary, comprising eight pieces by artists such as Damien Hirst, Roy Lichtenstein, Julian Schnabel, and Frank Stella; these donations underscore their role as active collectors prioritizing institutional enrichment over personal retention.[45][46] Earlier contributions included additional modern works like those by Julian Opie, further bolstering LACMA's holdings in postwar American and British art.[46]
Beyond direct donations, the Nathansons have supported the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles through patronage of exhibitions and board involvement by Jane Nathanson as a founder and former trustee, fostering programming in avant-garde visual arts.[47] Their collecting focuses on blue-chip postwar artists including Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, with selections guided by aesthetic merit and market provenance rather than thematic agendas, as evidenced by decades of acquisitions displayed in their Malibu residence.[48] In 2014, family backing facilitated the relocation of Marc Selwyn Fine Art gallery to Beverly Hills, aiding the local ecosystem for postwar and contemporary dealers.[49]
These efforts reflect a pattern of targeted investment in established cultural anchors, yielding measurable expansions in collection size and exhibition capacity at recipient institutions, without reliance on government subsidies or ideologically driven initiatives.[5]
Educational and community initiatives
The Jane and Marc Nathanson Family Foundation, established in 1989, has supported various community-oriented programs, including those addressing family trauma and resilience.[43] In collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Marc B. Nathanson and his wife Jane endowed the Nathanson Family Resilience Center within UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, focusing on bridging research and practical interventions to enhance family resilience amid challenges such as foster care transitions, veteran reintegration, and trauma recovery.[50][51] The center develops evidence-based programs to assist vulnerable populations, including high-quality, cost-effective services for families facing adversity, with an emphasis on translating academic findings into community-applicable strategies.[52]
Nathanson has also contributed to educational access through targeted grants, such as a $6,000 donation from the family foundation to the University of California, Merced, in 2007–2008 to fund the application for a federal broadcast license, enabling the development of a student-run radio station on campus.[53] This initiative supported media literacy and extracurricular opportunities for students at the public university. Additionally, Nathanson has served on the board and as former chair of the USC Annenberg School's Center for the Digital Future, contributing to efforts in digital media research and policy education.[54]
These efforts reflect a pattern of philanthropy prioritizing practical community support and higher education enhancements, often in partnership with California-based institutions, though specific grant amounts beyond the UC Merced example remain less publicly detailed in foundation reports.[55]
Recognition
Business and industry awards
Nathanson was elected to the Cable Pioneers organization in 1982, honoring his entry into the cable television sector and subsequent innovations as a multiple system operator (MSO).[25]
In 2010, he was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame by the Syndeo Institute (formerly the Cable Center), recognizing his four-decade career that included founding Falcon Cable TV in 1975, serving as chairman and CEO of Falcon Holding Group, Inc., and overseeing its growth to serve over 1 million subscribers across 18 states before its $3.5 billion sale to Charter Communications in 1999.[7]
These accolades highlight Nathanson's entrepreneurial impact on the cable industry, from early system acquisitions to pioneering debt-financed expansions that shaped MSO consolidation in the 1980s and 1990s.[7][25]
Public service honors
Nathanson received the Civic Medal of Honor from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his civic leadership and contributions to public initiatives in the region.[56]
In 2018, Nathanson and his wife Jane were honored by the Aspen Institute Socrates Program for establishing the Nathanson Public Diplomacy Forum at the University of Southern California's Center on Public Diplomacy, which advances dialogue on international communication and policy.[57]
Personal life
Family and relationships
Marc B. Nathanson married Jane Frances Fallek on August 6, 1967, in a ceremony reported by The New York Times.[58] The couple met as freshmen at the University of Denver, where Nathanson studied political science and Fallek majored in art history.[5] Jane Nathanson is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, as well as a philanthropist who founded the Nathanson Family Resilience Center at UCLA's Division of Population Behavioral Health.[51]
Nathanson and his wife have three children.[7] One son, Adam Ian Nathanson, married Lauren Waisbren on February 6, 2010.[59] As of 2010, the couple had two grandchildren.[7]
Residences and personal interests
Nathanson's primary residence is a historic late-1920s Art Deco villa in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, originally constructed in 1927 as a show house for the area and later renovated by designer Richard Hallberg to accommodate the couple's extensive art collection.[60][61] The property features dramatic scale, bold plaster reliefs, and intricate tile work, with several dozen artworks integrated into its interiors.[60] He also maintains a home in Aspen, Colorado.[5]
In August 2022, the Nathanson family sold a 6,068-square-foot vacation home at 30916 Broad Beach Road in Malibu's Broad Beach enclave for $22 million to Eric and Chandra Bergeson.[62]
Nathanson's personal interests center on contemporary art collecting, pursued alongside his wife Jane for over four decades; their holdings exceed 400 works, including multiple pieces by Andy Warhol (such as seven noted as rare), Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Frank Stella, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, many displayed prominently in their Holmby Hills residence.[63][64] The couple frequently attends events like Art Basel for acquisitions, viewing art as a universal language that enriches personal and communal life.
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