Cox Enterprises started in 1898 when James M. Cox bought the Dayton Evening News. Today, the company is a $22 billion powerhouse with 50,000 employees and a portfolio that spans broadband, automotive, sustainable agriculture, plastics recycling, and tech innovation.
CEO Alex Taylor, the great-grandson of James Cox, says the secret to longevity is simple:
“We make decisions to thrive long into the future, not just to turn around dollars for today.”
In an interview with the Dayton Daily News, Taylor discussed the company, its long history in Dayton, its continuing involvement in journalism and its plans for the future.
From newspapers to new frontiers:
- Cox still owns the Dayton Daily News and other local papers, plus the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In 2022, it added Axios to its media family.
- Cox Communications is now the third-largest cable provider in the U.S., serving nearly 7 million homes and businesses.
- Cox Automotive includes brands like Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and Manheim, helping people buy, sell, and access vehicles.
Investing in sustainability and innovation:
- Cox Cleantech leads efforts in indoor farming through BrightFarms and Mucci Farms, and advanced plastics recycling with Nexus Circular.
- The company backs public sector software firms like OpenGov and Amplify, and supports Atlanta’s tech ecosystem through mentorship and entrepreneurial programs.
Taylor sums it up best: Cox isn’t just honoring its past; it’s planting seeds for the next 125 years.
A legacy in local media
Did you know?
Our acquisition of Axios builds on our company’s legacy in local media and underscores our company’s commitment to growing and nurturing credible, fact-based journalism.
