Our story
Through the years
1898-1957
From humble beginnings to great success
In addition to working on his family farm, the young James Cox worked as a school janitor. After beginning his career as a teacher, Cox decided to pursue his passion for journalism. It all started in 1898 when he bought the Dayton Evening News, planting the seeds for what would become Cox Enterprises. After serving three terms as Ohio’s governor, he continued building on that foundation – adding more newspapers and entering the world of radio and TV. His spirit of innovation would shape our future for generations.
Highlights from this era
Purchasing the first newspaper
A 28-year-old Cox purchased the Dayton Evening News for $26,000 and changed the name to The Dayton Daily News. The first issue was published August 22, 1898.
Making news in Atlanta
When Governor Cox purchased The Atlanta Journal in 1939, he also gained WSB, “The South’s First Radio Station.” In 1950, he bought The Atlanta Constitution.
We’re on the air
In September of 1948, the voice of WSB-TV’s original announcer, John Cone boomed into living rooms across Atlanta during the first TV broadcast in the South. It was among the first in the U.S.
Trailblazing in the
1960s-1980s
1929-1974
Expansion into cable and automotive
After Governor Cox passed away in 1957, his son Jim Cox Jr. moved easily into the position of leadership within the family-owned Cox organization. He already had direct responsibility for the company’s radio and television stations. It wasn’t long before many company executives referred to Jim Cox Jr. simply as “the boss.”
Highlights from this era
Cox enters promising industry
Cox purchased Manheim Auto Auction in 1968. Though a departure from the company’s media properties, the move was in line with Cox’s criteria for acquisitions: an emphasis on customer service, high operating margins and an industry with growth potential.
Cable growth
Jim Cox Jr. purchased three cable systems in central Pennsylvania. Cox was one of the earliest broadcasters to embrace community antenna TV, which provided rural communities with better reception and a wider selection of channels.
Cable consolidation
In 1968, Cox’s cable systems were consolidated into a new company, Cox Cable Communications, Inc., which became the second-largest company in the cable TV industry, and Cox Enterprises was formed.
1972-2022
Continued growth and new leadership
Governor Cox’s grandson, Jim Kennedy, joined Cox in 1972 as a production assistant with its newspaper division and held various positions, including reporter, copy editor, advertising salesman, business manager and executive vice president/general manager. In 1988, Kennedy became CEO and chairman. During his tenure, revenues increased from $1.88 billion to $20 billion. He currently serves as chairman emeritus and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation.
Highlights from this era
Manheim merger
In 1991, Manheim almost doubled its size by acquiring GECARS, a partnership between Ford Motor Credit Co. and General Electric Capital.
A new phone call
Cox integrated its Personal Communication Service (PCS) with a coaxial cable system and then Chairman Jim Kennedy made the world’s first PCS telephone call over cable in 1992. For this opening to a monumental avenue in the communications world, the FCC awarded Cox the industry’s Pioneer’s Preference Award.
Cox Conserves launches
In 2007, Jim Kennedy formalized the company’s sustainability efforts through Cox Conserves. We’ve invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation, and we are on track to be carbon and water neutral by 2034.
2000 to today
Strategic restructuring
Strategic moves and leadership shaping Cox’s future
In 2000, Alex Taylor, great-grandson of Governor Cox, started his career at Cox as a newsroom reporter for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. In 2018, Taylor became president and CEO, driving innovation and ushering in a new era of diversification in areas like advanced recycling, greenhouse agriculture, healthcare and more.
Highlights from this era
Our why
Alex Taylor has infused an even greater sense of purpose into the almost 130-year-old company with his vision to Empower People Today to Build a Better Future for the Next Generation.
Back to the future
In the late 1800s, young James Cox started his work on the family farm. Now, more than 100 years later, Alex Taylor re-enters agriculture with innovative greenhouse ventures like BrightFarms and Mucci Farms under the umbrella of Cox Farms.
Building a better tomorrow
Today, as Chairman and CEO, Alex is leading the company in broadband, automotive services and media through significant transformation while also strengthening its employee-centric and customer-focused culture.