ATLANTA, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications has again earned a spot in the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list. This is the seventh time Cox has made the list, and the sixth consecutive year it has reached the top 25. This year Cox was ranked 25th.

Cox's inclusion on the list can be attributed to the comprehensive approach it takes to diversity, which includes ensuring the company is not only inclusive in hiring and retaining employees, but also in its supplier relationships, community outreach and the products and services it offers.

"We're honored that DiversityInc has recognized us for our commitment to diversity in our workplace. This commitment is critical to our success in all facets of our business," said Pat Esser, Cox Communications President, who also leads the company's Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Council. "Diversity and inclusion are core values for us that are woven into the fiber of our culture and business operations."

In other awards announced by DiversityInc, Cox Communications also ranked No. 8 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Blacks.

"With strong leadership from President Pat Esser, Cox demonstrates superior diversity excellence across the board, including mentoring, supplier diversity and its deep commitment to multicultural philanthropy," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc.

"Cox's key strength is its consistency in each of the four areas measured across the survey and its deep community connections," Visconti said. "Cox reports that 48 percent of its philanthropic spend goes to multicultural organizations, and a third of its senior executives serve on boards of multicultural nonprofits."

A total of 587 companies participated in the 2012 DiversityInc Top 50 competition, up 11 percent from last year. The list included companies from a wide range of industries, including consulting, retail, manufacturing and banking.

Twelve percent more companies were able to answer every question on the 300-field survey, which is divided into four parts: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity. The results are determined by statistical analysis. It is an independent editorial process, and there is no fee to enter the competition and no requirement to conduct business with DiversityInc.

There has been significant movement on the list this year:

• Twenty companies moved up in rank; 24 moved down; six kept the same ranking
• Three companies moved on to the list from the 25 Noteworthy Companies list last year
• Two companies came back to the list after falling off last year
• Two companies made the list for the first time, one of which was a first-time participant

Surveys are sent out in October to all interested companies that have at least 1,000 employees, with a due date for an online submission of March 1. There is no fee to enter, and companies that have business relationships with DiversityInc get no preference. Every company that fills out the survey receives a free report card assessing its performance in the four areas measured.

About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications