Morris Publishing Group was formed in 2001 and assumed the operations of the newspaper business segment of its parent, Morris Communications Co. The company has a concentrated presence in the Southeast, with four signature holdings: The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville), The Augusta Chronicle, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News and the Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald.

Morris Publishing Group is fully engaged in meeting the industry imperative of building and maintaining circulation in a competitive media climate. The division also is dedicated to greater operational efficiency and economies of scale through Project STAR, a corporatewide strategy for shared services.

Morris-owned daily newspapers have online sister publications as an additional service for readers and advertisers alike. Morris print and online editions consistently win industry awards for content, photography and design.

In all its news products, Morris Communications is committed to local news coverage and to the highest standards of journalism. The company is dedicated as well to coverage that acknowledges the diversity of its readers.

Morris News Service, established in 1987, supplies both regional and national news from its bureau in Atlanta, Ga. The service provides a perspective and a depth of coverage unavailable from the national wire services.

The Morris newspaper division has often set the pace in publishing technology. The Augusta Chronicle was among the nation's first newspapers to have totally computerized newsroom and production departments. In the mid-1980s, Morris personnel developed an innovative PC-based publishing system as well. Currently, Morris is the first media company to begin full implementation of the SAP technology system throughout each of its varied properties.

Underpinning the business is a strong commitment to ethical management and responsible leadership in the communities the company serves — an obligation rooted in the culture and tradition of Morris Communications.