Cox Media Group To Shutter Sports Websites

Cox Media Group, which launched 'SEC Country' to focus on college sports in the south back in 2015, 'Land of 10' to zero in on the Big Ten in 2016, and a national site dedicated to the sport in 2017, is closing all three, according to writers for the publications.

Many tweeted the news on Wednesday, roughly 100 days from the start of a new NCAA football season, with details noting that all three will discontinue serving readers by or on June 30.

Employees were shocked as they learned of the news Wednesday.  No reason has been given, but questions have been asked.

"Read into this what you will, but we showed incredible revenue growth, audience growth and future potential. None of this was a reaction to a lack of success," tweeted Christopher Smith, who oversees strategy for SEC Country, Land of 10, Diehards and DawgNation.

"The Cox Media Group sports verticals grew traffic 36.9 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. We were rocking it. Even our Facebook traffic was up."

If anyone needs recommendations of which of our talented staff (Cox Media Group sports verticals, including SEC Country, Land of 10 and DieHards) to go after, please contact me. My email is secfootballeditor@gmail.com.

— Christopher Smith (@csmithSEC) May 23, 2018

Business verticals, for the most part, are narrow markets whose specific needs make them especially likely to want your offerings.