Cox Enterprises

• 1. The Dayton Purchase

  ›

  James M. Cox bought the Dayton Daily News in 1898, marking the start of a business empire that would span over a century. This single newspaper purchase launched his political career and set the stage for decades of expansion. He later served as governor of Ohio and ran unsuccessfully for president in 1920 with Franklin D. Roosevelt on his ticket. The company began as a local paper but quickly grew into a multi-state operation under his leadership. His vision extended beyond journalism to include broadcasting and eventually automotive industries.

  25

• 2. Broadcasting And Cable Evolution

  ›

  In 1935, James M. Cox Jr. pushed his father to enter radio with WHIO in Dayton. By the 29th of September 1948, WSB-TV aired Atlanta's first television broadcast, earning the nickname Eyes of the South. Two months later, WHIO-TV began its own broadcasts on the 23rd of February 1949. In 1962, three cable systems totaling 11,800 subscribers were acquired in central Pennsylvania. These assets merged into Cox Broadcasting Corporation in 1964 while newspapers stayed independent. A new entity called Cox Cable Communications formed in 1968 and became the second-largest cable TV company nationwide. Jim Kennedy took over as CEO and chairman in 1988 after serving as executive vice president since the early 1970s.

  910131416

• 3. Automotive Industry Transformation

  ›

  Cox entered the auto sector in 1965 by purchasing Black Book. Three years later, Manheim joined the portfolio, creating an auction network that would expand globally. The first non-U.S. auction opened in Toronto, Canada during the 1980s. Autotrader.com launched in 1997 and changed how consumers bought used vehicles forever. All automotive operations consolidated under Cox Automotive in 2014. Today, brands like Kelley Blue Book and Dealertrack serve dealerships across Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America. The division now includes NextGear Capital and Clutch Technologies among many others.

  212227

• 4. Media Group Restructuring

  ›

  On the 2nd of March 2020, Cox Enterprises finalized the sale of its Ohio newspapers back to itself. This move created Cox First Media to ensure daily coverage continued for southwest Ohio communities. Earlier that year, Apollo Global Management had purchased a majority stake in broadcast stations including radio and OTT advertising arm Gamut Smart Media. Federal regulations forced Apollo to reduce some papers to three-day publication or sell them. Cox stepped in to buy those properties and maintain seven-day editions. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution remains part of the parent company alongside Ideabar media agency. As of the 16th of May 2025, Cox Communications will merge with Charter Communications while retaining its name.

  232426

• 5. Strategic Investments And Acquisitions

  ›

  In September 2019, Cox Automotive invested $350 million into Rivian, the maker of luxury electric trucks. That deal included plans for service operations, logistics support, and digital retailing partnerships. Two years later, Cox agreed to acquire Axios Media for $525 million. In February 2024, the company bought out OpenGov, a government software firm it already partially owned, valuing the transaction at $1.8 billion. These moves reflect a strategy focused on technology integration and market expansion across sectors. Each acquisition targets specific growth areas within automotive, media, and public sector services.

  28293031

• 6. Sustainability Initiatives And Legacy

  ›

  Cox Conserves launched in 2007 as the company's national sustainability program. Since then, more than $120 million has been invested in over 400 projects worldwide. Focus areas include energy conservation, water management, waste diversion, recycling, and community engagement. The initiative supports stakeholders and local communities through targeted environmental efforts. Current leadership includes Alexander C. Taylor, a fourth-generation family member who serves as CEO. His great-grandfather James M. Cox founded the business in Dayton over a century ago. Today, approximately 55,000 employees generate $21 billion in annual revenue under this structure.

  18