Cox Companies Donate $3 Million in Airtime for the Ad Council's Environmental PSAs

ATLANTA, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it donated more than $3 million of airtime for conservation-themed public service advertisements (PSAs) last year as part of the company's Cox Conserves program to encourage eco-friendly behavior.

The PSAs, produced by the Ad Council, aired more than 200,000 times last year through Cox's cable distribution and media property subsidiaries, Cox Communications and Cox Media Group, and included campaigns on Energy Efficiency, Re-connecting Kids with Nature and Ocean Awareness.  

"Many of our national public service campaigns communicate the important role we play in preserving and protecting our nation's natural resources," said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "With the support of media companies such as Cox, our efforts continue to have a positive impact on the environment."

Launched in 2007, Cox Conserves seeks to reduce the company's energy consumption by embracing alternate forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior.  The program also encourages Cox's 66,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices that reduce energy use and promote sustainability.  

"Through its sponsorship of Ad Council PSAs, Cox is helping to educate and inspire people to live healthier lifestyles that benefit the broader ecosystem," said Jimmy Hayes, president and CEO, Cox Enterprises. "Cox is doing its part to reduce the carbon footprint of company operations, but raising public awareness of environmental issues extends the impact to homes and neighborhoods around the nation."

Specific Cox Media Group stations that aired Ad Council environmental PSAs include:  KIRO-TV in Seattle; KRXI-TV in Reno, Nev.; KTVU-TV in San Francisco/Oakland; WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Penn.; WSB-TV in Atlanta; KJSR-FM and KRMG-FM in Tulsa, Okla.; KPWT-FM and KKYX-AM in San Antonio; WDYL-FM, WKHK-FM, WKLR-FM and WMXB-FM in Richmond, Va.; WHDR-FM in Miami; WHKO-FM in Dayton, Ohio; WOKV-FM in Jacksonville, Fla.; WVEZ-FM in Louisville, Ky.; WHPT- FM,  WSUN-FM and WWRM-FM in Tampa, Fla.;  and WDB0-AM in Orlando, Fla.  

In addition to continued support with donated airtime from its subsidiaries for PSAs, Cox Enterprises will contribute $25,000 in cash to the Ad Council in 2010.

To further encourage community conservation initiatives in Cox markets, Cox Conserves Heroes awards were established through a partnership with The Trust for Public Land. The program recognizes local volunteers who take an active role in preserving the natural environment in their community. To date, Heroes have been named in Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. San Diego is currently accepting nominations for its second annual program and New Orleans is seeking online votes from the public to determine its first Cox Conserves Hero from among five finalists. To nominate or vote, click here.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 66,000 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 stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Radio, Inc.); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive classifieds and related publications). Additionally, Cox's Internet operations include Kudzu.com and Adify Corporation, a unit of Cox TMI, Inc.

About Ad Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises, Inc.