Augusta, Ga. - Garet von Netzer, long-time publisher of the Amarillo (Texas) Globe-News, will leave his position at the end of 2002, though he will remain heavily involved in the newspaper. Will Morris, president of Morris Communications, parent company of the Globe-News, made the announcement today.

Von Netzer's career with the Globe-News spans 31 years and includes a 10-year stint as an award-winning sports editor and 15 years with responsibility for the entire news operation either as general manager or publisher.

"Garet has been a model of character and leadership for his staff for many years," Morris said. "We are most appreciative of his record of service to our company."

In January 2003, von Netzer will become a general columnist for the Globe-News and will work with the community marketing initiatives coordinated by the newspaper. He cites writing and community involvement as the two most enjoyable aspects of his career.

He says that developing Globe-News community partnerships such as Celebrate 2000 and Reach Out ...Volunteer has been " ... one of my career joys because of the impact these programs have had on people's lives throughout the entire region."

The Amarillo Globe-News is one of 27 daily newspapers owned by Morris Communications, a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and computer services. For more information visit www.morris.com.