Augusta, Ga. - Augusta Chronicle Editorial Page Editor Suzanne Downing will leave her post in June to start a media and political strategy company in Jacksonville, Fla. A successor has not been named.

"We will miss Suzanne, as she has done a lot to guide our newspaper's voice for more than two years, but we certainly understand her goals and aspirations, and want to support them," said William S. Morris III, publisher of the Chronicle. "We have heard nothing but praise for her efforts in the community and hope that the work she has done here will continue."

Downing came to the Chronicle in February 2000, after several years as editor of the Juneau Empire, a Morris Communications newspaper in Alaska's capital city. She will stay through the month of May and work in an advisory capacity until a successor is named.

Morris Communications is 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.