3. Charles Dolan

It has not been the best 12 months for Dolan’s Cablevision Systems Corporation, but this coming year may be pivotal in testing the mettle of the company’s executives. The Town of Hempstead’s recent decision to allow Verizon to market its fiberoptic cable service may prove to be the first shot across the bow of the cable giant. He’s been our top dog for two years, and he almost slipped this time. Another disappointing season from the Knicks did not help business over at Cablevision-owned Madison Square Garden, but the Rangers’ run at the playoffs might bring some spring fever back into the building. Overall, Cablevision seems to suddenly be fighting the current. Depending on Dolan’s play this year, he’ll either plummet in the standings for next year’s Power List, or jump back up to the top spot.