CMG to Sell Ohio Newspapers to Cox Enterprises

February 10, 2020 — Cox Media Group (“CMG”) today announced it has reached an agreement with Cox Enterprises Inc. (“CEI”) for the sale of its Ohio newspapers, the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield News-Sun, and the JournalNews.

The sale follows a recent federal court decision reinstating an old FCC rule that prohibits a single owner from operating both a daily newspaper and a broadcast station in the same market. To comply with that rule, CMG faced cutting the newspapers to non-daily publications or selling them to an owner that would not be encumbered by the antiquated cross-ownership rule. These papers have been established as leading news sources in the communities they serve for more than a century and this transaction is the best possible outcome to ensure they can continue providing uninterrupted news coverage to their readers.

“These newspapers are important assets to the communities they serve, and we are thrilled to have found a partner with a long and successful history of promoting freedom of the press and preserving print journalism,” said CMG CEO Kim Guthrie. “CEI shares our belief that a reduced print schedule would negatively impact the papers, our employees and the communities. CEI is the best possible partner for this sale to not only ensure continued daily print publication for the newspapers, but to also keep so many talented people doing what they do best—providing daily news coverage in our Ohio communities.”

“Apollo is committed to strengthening local media. When faced with the unfortunate requirements of an antiquated regulation, we would not accept an outcome that reduced local news coverage for the people of Dayton, Springfield and Butler County. We applaud the FCC for working with us and providing us the flexibility to find a stable, long-term buyer who is committed to providing the citizens of Ohio with award winning journalism,” said David Sambur, Co-Lead Partner of Private Equity at Apollo Global Management, Inc.

Rob Rohr will continue his role as Vice President and General Manager in the market leading CMG’s broadcast outlets including TV (WHIO-TV), and three radio stations (WHIO, WHKO and WZLR).

“Rob is an experienced operator and an inspiring leader. We are excited that he will continue to lead the CMG team in Ohio,” said Guthrie.

Following the sale, the Ohio newspapers will be under the interim operational leadership of Jana Collier, who currently serves as vice president of content at CMG Ohio. Jana, who will serve as interim Executive Editor, is a seasoned media veteran with more than 20 years of experience and started her career with Cox in 2006 as the managing editor of the Dayton Daily News.

“Dayton, Ohio is a big part of the Cox DNA.  It’s where our family is from and where our company was founded,” said Alex Taylor, President and CEO of Cox Enterprises. “So it is with great excitement that we continue publishing these papers as we have for more than 100 years.”

The sale of the papers to CEI is expected to close in the coming weeks.

About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group (“CMG”) is an industry-leading media company with best-in-class brands, award winning content, and exceptional people. The new CMG was built in December 2019 when private equity funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. acquired the television assets of Northwest Broadcasting through the acquisition of NBI Holdings, LLC, which subsequently acquired certain television, radio, newspaper and other media assets of Cox Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates. CMG provides valuable local content to diverse audiences in the communities it serves.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is dedicated to building a better future through our leading communications and automotive and media companies. Our major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, and we are strategically investing in new industries and emerging technologies, with sizeable interests in clean technology and health care. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $21 billion in annual revenues and brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Cox Homelife. Founded in 1898 by Ohio Governor James M. Cox, the company is a family-owned business committed to its people, communities and planet. To learn more about Cox, visit coxenterprises.com, view our Sustainability Report at coxcsrreport.com, or follow us on Twitter via @CoxEnterprises or @AlexTaylor_Cox.

###

For media inquiries regarding Cox Media Group:

CMGMediaRelations@cmg.com

For media inquiries regarding Cox Enterprises:

Sonji Jacobs, AVP Corporate Communications Cox Enterprises Inc.

(678) 645-0738

Sonji.jacobs@coxinc.com