Doug Franklin Named President of Cox Media Group

Sandy Schwartz Appointed President of Manheim

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Mar 01, 2011, 10:55 ET

ATLANTA, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises announced today that Doug Franklin has been named president of Cox Media Group. He will report to Jimmy Hayes, president and chief executive officer of Cox Enterprises. Franklin succeeds Sandy Schwartz who has been named president of Cox's automotive services subsidiary, Manheim.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110301/CL56587 )

In his new role, Franklin will be responsible for managing Cox Media Group (CMG), Cox Enterprises' integrated broadcasting, publishing and digital media subsidiary. CMG operates 15 broadcast television stations; 86 radio stations; eight daily newspapers and more than a dozen non-daily publications, more than 100 digital services and Cox Reps. Additionally, CMG owns and operates Valpak, one of the leading direct marketing companies in North America.

"Doug is a seasoned veteran with a great understanding of our CMG properties and a great vision for their future," said Hayes. "He has played a major role in the integration and transformation of our media businesses and I am confident in his ability to lead them to continued success."

Franklin most recently served as executive vice president of Cox Media Group where his responsibilities included overseeing radio, television, newspaper and digital operations. He previously served as publisher of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Palm Beach Post. He also has served as president and CEO of Cox Ohio Publishing and publisher of the Dayton Daily News. Franklin joined Cox more than 30 years ago as a door-to-door circulation solicitor from Dayton.

Schwartz has been appointed president of Cox subsidiary, Manheim. Manheim is the world's leading provider of vehicle remarketing services. Most recently, Schwartz served as president of Cox Media Group. Schwartz joined Cox in 1985 and served in many roles of increasing responsibility including executive vice president of the Austin-American Statesman, vice president and general manager of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, executive vice president of Cox Newspapers and vice president of business development for Cox Enterprises. Schwartz's automotive experience includes leadership positions with AutoTrader.com and Cox AutoTrader, producer of paid and free publications serving consumers and dealers in the automotive market.

"Sandy's extensive automotive, online and media experience is a valuable asset to Cox Enterprises," said Hayes. "Sandy has a broad and deep understanding of our Cox businesses and unique culture, and I am delighted for him to bring his expertise to Manheim. Under his leadership, Cox Media Group has thrived through transformation and he will bring the same innovative thinking to Manheim."

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto and HomeNet Automotive subsidiaries). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises