Staff Reports

Hartselle Newspapers, LLC a subsidiary of Boone Newspapers, Inc. (BNI) announced that Randy Cox has been named Publisher of Hartselle Enquirer, Morgan Countian, Hartselle Living and related digital products. Additionally, Cox will serve as Publisher of Madison Publications, LLC which publishes the The Madison Record, Madison County Record, Madison Living and related digital products.  

Boone Newspaper Inc. names Randy Cox as Hartselle Enquirer publisher. | Submitted

“Our readers and advertisers can expect the newspaper’s ties to these communities to grow under Cox’s leadership,” stated Daniel Holmes, key leader with BNI who served as interim publisher of both operations prior to Cox arrival. “Randy is committed to the continuous improvement of our service to these communities and we are pleased he has joined our team”.

Cox obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Auburn University and brings an extensive newspaper and marketing background to the Hartselle and Madison areas. He first served as a general assignment reporter and a sports editor before moving into the advertising and marketing side of the business. Cox has served as an advertising director and publisher before being named Vice President of Marketing and Internet Services of the South Georgia Marketing Group located in Valdosta, Ga which was a group of daily and weekly newspapers. He also served has publisher of the group’s direct mailed shopper division and niche publications.

During his time with Thomson Newspapers in South Georgia Cox won the President’s Award for Marketing Excellence three times out of 289 U.S. based publications. He has also been deeply involved in the communities of which he has been a part. Cox has served on the Board of the United Way, was Chairman of the Cordele Crisp County Chamber of Commerce, served as Chairman of the Technology Resources Committee at the Valdosta area chamber for 5 years and served 17 years in the Rotary Club of Valdosta.

In 2008, Cox was named Rotarian of the Year in Valdosta for his efforts to create a Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner (L.E.A.D.) that is now planning its 10th event. The L.E.A.D. Dinner has raised almost $300,000 to assist law enforcement professionals in times of personal need. In addition to recognizing city and county law officers of the year with plaques and cash stipends at the dinner, the money raised by the Rotary Club of Valdosta has granted funds to officers with family medical emergencies, homes lost to fire and flood and other unexpected needs. The event is annually attended by approximately 565 businesses, community leaders and individuals each year in support of the local law enforcement community.

Cox and his wife Suzanne moved to the area the second week of November and have been getting familiar with the area. “My wife and I are excited about our move and look forward to being a part of these communities. In a short amount of time we have discovered that this part of the state has available many wonderful cultural and entertainment venues”.

The new Hartselle and Madison publisher has a family tradition in the newspaper and media industry. “My father, Paul Cox, was a life-long newspaper man who got his start at the Anniston Star and then worked in Miami, FL and Columbus, GA before being named Associate Publisher and then Publisher at the Opelika-Auburn Daily News where he retired”, Cox stated. Cox’s other ties to Alabama include graduating from Opelika High School and attending Auburn University. “In addition, I was born in Anniston and still have a lot of relatives in that area”, he added.

“Hartselle and Madison are thriving areas with many media options. Our success will be defined by the quality stories we produce about your children, neighbors, businesses and organizations and through our unmatched ability to successfully support local businesses and merchants.”