Company history
Welcome to our story. A story where innovation abounds. Where tomorrow is in the works today and where we’d like you to write this story with us in the future.
From the very beginning, our people gathered to exchange ideas, to defend and preserve the freedom of the press and to tackle the pressing challenges of the time. And, 125 years later, we’re still gathering; around causes and big ideas, uncovering the truth, protecting the planet we call home and helping people in bold ways.
“Running water never grows stagnant,” Gov. Cox once said. Neither has our story.
Come take a journey with us and connect to work that improves lives.
Late 19th to mid-20th century
1898-1907
School teacher to newsman
Driven by an entrepreneurial drive, James M. Cox shifted from teacher to publisher of The Dayton Daily News in 1898, with the goal of informing and educating a broader audience.
1909-1919
From print to politics
Cox served two terms in the US House of Representatives and three terms as Governor of Ohio, where he fought for issues like fair pay, worker safety and child labor.
1920
Run for the White House
As the Democratic nominee for President, Gov. Cox chose Franklin Delano Roosevelt as his running mate. Ultimately, the ticket of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge won the presidency that year.
1920s-1940s
Turning back to media
After losing his presidential bid, Cox turned his attention back to his newspapers, expanding into markets outside Ohio and also into the burgeoning new medium of radio.
Late 1940s
And we’re on the air!
In September 1948, John Cone’s voice boomed into living rooms across Atlanta, “And we’re on the air.” It was the first television broadcast in the South and among the first in the US.
1958
Atlanta temple bombing
Ralph McGill, publisher of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, published an editorial that smoked with anger and shame, decrying the bombing and earning him a Pulitzer.
Late 1950s
Affirming our commitment to the environment
After Gov. Cox’s death at the age of 87, his heirs formed the James M. Cox Foundation. Its bylaws said grants should have a strong focus on human services and the conservation of nature.
1962
Cable Growth
Cox purchased three cable systems in central Pennsylvania, with a combined 11,800 subscribers. Cox was one of the earliest broadcasters to embrace what would later be called cable television.
Mid-20th century to today
1968
Exploring new paths
Cox Broadcasting execs proposed buying Manheim, an auto auction business. CEO Jim Cox Jr. trusted his team and embraced the idea. Today Manheim is the world’s largest wholesale automotive marketplace.
1970s
A trailblazing moment
At a time when television was still largely a province of white men, Jocelyn Dorsey became Atlanta’s first Black news anchor in 1973.
2007
Our sustainability program launches
Founded by CEO Jim Kennedy in 2007, Cox Conserves has invested $100M+ in sustainability and conservation. Cox is on track to send 0 waste to landfills by 2024, & to be carbon & water neutral by 2034.
2015
Cox Auto takes shape
By bringing together Manheim Auctions, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, Vin Solutions & Dealertrack, Cox Auto established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the auto industry by 2015.
2018
A new leader at the helm
Since taking the helm in 2018, Chairman & CEO Alex Taylor has driven innovation & ushered in a new era of diversification in areas like advanced recycling, greenhouse agriculture, healthcare & more.
2023
Back to the future
In the late 1800s, a young Jimmy Cox started his work on the family farm. Now, 100+ years later, Cox re-enters agriculture with innovative greenhouse ventures like BrightFarms & Mucci Farms.
Building a better future
Cox has a rich legacy of taking care of the people in the company, uplifting the communities we serve, and striving for a better tomorrow. With our 34 by 34 initiative, we are now building on our legacy of creating tangible, positive impact with a goal of helping 34 million people live more prosperous lives by 2034.
