Marc B. Nathanson

Marc B. Nathanson
Born	(1945-05-12) May 12, 1945 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, diplomat
Known for	Founder of Falcon Cable; U.S. ambassador to Norway (2022–2024)

Marc B. Nathanson (born May 12, 1945) is an American businessman notable for his tenure as the U.S. ambassador to Norway from 2022 through 2024. He gained prominence as the founder of Falcon Cable, which he sold in 1999 for $3.7 billion. Nathanson is honored in the Cable TV Hall of Fame, was awarded Inc. magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and formerly chaired the Broadcasting Board of Governors. In 2024, Forbes Magazine estimated his net worth at $2.5 billion in their annual The World's Billionaires ranking.

Early life and education

Born in Los Angeles, Nathanson grew up in Glencoe, Illinois and Highland Park, Illinois. His father, Don Paul "D.P." Nathanson, was involved in radio and cable investments, ran an advertising agency, and published the trade periodical Radio Showmanship. His great uncle, Nathan Nathanson, was the founder of Famous Players, a Canadian film exhibitor and cable service provider. Nathanson completed his secondary education at Highland Park High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver in 1967, and obtained a Master’s degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1969.

Career

Nathanson began his professional journey as a door-to-door cable salesman. In 1969, he took on the role of marketing head at Cypress Communications Corporation in Los Angeles; this company was acquired by Warner Cable in 1973.

Subsequently, he served as vice president responsible for marketing and programming at TelePrompTer Corporation. That same year, he established Falcon Cable using $25,000 of personal funds supplemented by $2 million from relatives and $6 million secured through bank financing. The first cable systems under his management were located in Gilroy, Porterville, Altadena, and San Luis Obispo, California. Falcon Holding Group acted as the parent company for his enterprises, including Falcon International Communications. Nathanson held the positions of president and CEO until the company’s sale in 1999. Between 1988 and 1999, he also led Enstar Communications Corp as CEO and chairman.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Falcon adopted a strategy focused on operating cost-effective cable systems in regions with limited television reception, distinguishing itself from competitors who targeted large urban markets.

In 1984, Falcon Group was created with Nathanson as a co-owner following a $50 million acquisition of 18 cable systems spanning seven states from Warner Communications and American Express. Throughout the 1990s, Nathanson played a significant role in major cable industry consolidations. In 1998, Tele-Communications Inc. purchased a 47% interest in Falcon. The subsequent year saw Falcon's sale to Paul Allen's Charter Communications for an estimated $3.7 billion. This deal elevated Charter to become the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States with approximately 5.5 million subscribers. Nathanson served as Charter’s vice chairman and board member until 2008. In recognition of his achievements, he received Inc. Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1994.

Following the sale of Falcon Cable, Nathanson directed his investment capital through Mapleton Investments and Mapleton/RDS Real Estate Group into various industries including radio broadcasting, real estate development, and waterless urinal technology via Falcon Waterfree Technologies, which he began supporting around 2000. He acquired a residence in Aspen, Colorado valued near $70 million and leads his investment entities. Falcon Waterfree Technologies has grown to become the world’s largest producer of waterless urinals.

Beyond his corporate pursuits, Nathanson has held numerous leadership positions: director at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association; trustee at the Aspen Institute; president of the California Cable Television Association; founder of CTAM and Southern California Cable Television Association; co-chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy; member of both the Council on Foreign Relations and World Affairs Council; as well as serving on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Politics

In 1998, President Bill Clinton appointed Nathanson to the board of governors of international broadcasting under the United States Information Agency. From 1995 until 2002, he led the Broadcasting Board of Governors, managing its operations during the critical period following the September 11 attacks.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton named him to the board of the East–West Center in Honolulu in 2012. Nathanson holds the position of vice-chair at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and was instrumental as the founding chair of Los Angeles's Homeland Security Advisory Council. An early backer of Barack Obama's 2008 presidential bid, he has continued to play an active role within political and policy-making arenas.

Ambassador to Norway

President Joe Biden put forward Nathanson's nomination as US Ambassador to Norway on October 29, 2021. Following hearings held on April 7, 2022, his confirmation was secured by a voice vote on May 5, and he officially presented his credentials on June 16, 2022. He stepped down from this post in February 2024 to contribute to Biden's reelection efforts.

Personal life

Nathanson wed Jane Fallek, a psychologist and philanthropist, in 1967. Together they have three children: Adam, David, and Nicole. Adam is CEO of Mapleton Investments, a real estate company; he married Lauren Waisbren in 2010, and they have a son named Henry. David leads business development at Fox Sports; he is married to Sabina Spigel and they have a daughter, Nina, born in 2010.