Cox Media Group Joins Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge

ATLANTA, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (Atlanta BBC) recognizes Cox Media Group for contributing to the city-wide effort to reduce energy and water consumption 20 percent by the year 2020.  Cox Media Group joins more than 100 other buildings in Atlanta representing more than 65 million square feet of commercial space working to implement sustainability improvements. The facility houses Cox Media Group's TV and radio stations, including: Channel 2 WSB-TV, News/Talk Radio WSB, B98.5, 97.1 The River and KISS 104.1.

"As Atlanta's number one television station, Channel 2 WSB-TV is dedicated to cover the issues that impact the area every day," said Tim McVay, vice president and general manager for Channel 2 WSB-TV. "The environment is something we all have in common, and we're committed not only to covering the topic, but also to doing our part to conserve water and energy."

In 2012, Channel 2 WSB-TV announced a studio lighting upgrade that reduced studio energy consumption by up to 45 percent. The station recently conducted an energy audit in partnership with McKenney's and is undergoing conservation projects that will enable the facility to achieve the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge.

Atlanta, along with Seattle and Los Angeles, were the first cities selected by President Obama in 2011 to participate in this U.S. Department of Energy-backed sustainability program that has since expanded throughout the country. Originating in Downtown, the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge has grown to include participation throughout the city, including the Midtown and Buckhead communities. Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), Midtown Alliance, and Livable Buckhead work in partnership with the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Sustainability to manage the Atlanta BBC. 

"The City of Atlanta applauds Cox Media Group in its efforts to make our city a more sustainable place to live and conduct business," said Denise Quarles, Director of the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. "Their commitment to the environment is commendable, and we are pleased that Cox has expanded its local conservation efforts by joining the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge."

As part of Cox Enterprises, Cox Media Group Atlanta's TV and radio stations participate in Cox Conserves, the company's national sustainability program that focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water.

About the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge (Atlanta BBC):  The Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge is a nation-leading public/private initiative. Led locally by the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Sustainability and managed by Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, the goal of the Atlanta BBC is to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 20 percent in participating buildings across Atlanta by 2020. For more information, please visit www.atlantabbc.com.

About Channel 2 WSB-TV The ABC Affiliate is part of Cox Media Group and ranks as Atlanta's number one local television station. The station also operates its website, wsbtv.com, its mobile site, wap.wsbtv.com, and airs MeTV on its digital channel 2.2.

About Cox Media Group
Cox Media Group is an integrated broadcasting, publishing, direct marketing and digital media company that includes the national advertising rep firms of CoxReps.  Additionally, CMG owns Cox Target Media, which operates Valpak, one of North America's leading direct marketing companies, and Savings.com, a leading online source for savings.  The company's operations currently include 14 broadcast television stations and one local cable channel, 57 radio stations, eight daily newspapers and more than a dozen non-daily publications, and more than 100 digital services.  CMG currently operates in more than 20 media markets and reaches approximately 52 million Americans weekly, including more than 30 million TV viewers, more than 4 million print and online newspaper readers, and 14 million radio listeners.  For more information about Cox Media Group, please check us out online at www.coxmediagroup.com. 

SOURCE Cox Media Group