A Legacy Born in Dayton, Ohio. In the Business of What’s Next.

The Cox Enterprises family of businesses is a diverse global enterprise with more than a century of ambitious reinvention and spans a range of industries. From automotive, cleantech, journalism and greenhouse agriculture, our teams are tackling some of the most urgent needs of our time.

James M. Cox in suit with clear glasses on

Rooted in 1898. Built for Today.

A young James M. Cox purchased a Dayton newspaper in 1898 and renamed it the Dayton Daily News, beginning a legacy of trusted local journalism that continues today in our news brands and CoxNext marketing. Today, Cox business is a family-owned enterprise spanning 125+ years of innovation – and we’re just getting started.

Pictured: Image of James M. Cox

CoxNext Connects and Grows Local Businesses

Our company is rooted in innovation, resilience and a deep commitment to people and progress. Our marketing experts use those same values to serve our clients:

How do we help our clients grow by giving them access to the best audiences and information?

How do we help them win by finding answers to their key business questions?

CoxNext has the top news sources in Dayton and Northern Cincinnati. Our print and digital products reach over 1.5 million people each month.

Our News Brands

Our newsrooms of journalists live and work in the communities they are reporting on. Delivering trusted, in-depth, local reporting that provides context and clarity on issues that matter for our readers. Only with CoxNext can you connect directly to the dedicated news readers of our three media organizations.

Visit the Dayton Daily News site →

Visit the Springfield News-Sun site →

Visit the Journal-News Site →

People First. Values Driven.

Man pointing at TV with "Dayton ranks 5th among metropolitan areas for degrees graded in Science & Engineering on the New Economy Index" on it

Our Purpose

For more than 125 years, we’ve been boldly challenging the status quo and addressing the world’s most pressing problems. Our mission, ways of working, knowledge and commitment to people form a cultural fabric that is remarkably flexible, but extraordinarily strong.

Two women sitting at desk in front of brick wall smiling

Our Guiding Principles

It’s how we live our mission every day - and emphasize integrity, respect and accountability, and encourage everyone to lead by example. It’s about celebrating wins. Amplifying voices. Recognizing greatness. Finding joy in the journey. Giving back generously. And most of all — doing the right thing. Always.

Three women sitting in office at whiteboard

Our Vision

We rise to meet the most pressing challenges of today and inspire each new generation to bring bold ideas that shape tomorrow.
At Cox, we envision a better future for this generation and the next – and our people have the grit, grace and gray matter to bring it to life.

Our History

1898

1898: 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.

1905

1905: Cox expands his news ownership

James M. Cox buys the Springfield Press-Republic in Clark County, Ohio and changes the name to the Springfield Daily News.

1908

James M. Cox is elected to Congress.

1910

Old image of newsboys in front of original Dayton Daily News building in downtown Dayton

In June of 1910, the newly constructed Dayton Daily News building at Fourth and Ludlow streets was opened to the public. During the celebration President William Howard Taft pushed a telegraph key at the White House which sent an electrical current that started the press. Photo credit: DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

1913

1913: James M. Cox is Elected Governor of Ohio

During the 1913 flood that devastated Dayton, Cox directed rescue and relief efforts, using the reach of the Dayton Daily News and his position in the state to call on his governor friends to garner what supplies they could to save the city and help it rebuild.

1913: Great Dayton Flood

Image of Dayton during the 1913 flood where water is nearly touching the top of lamp posts

As flood waters swirled along Fourth Street in Dayton, three horses were almost withers-deep. This photograph was taken from the Dayton Daily News building at Fourth and Ludlow streets.

1928