Augusta, Ga. - Robert J. Barth, new media director for the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal, has been named corporate director of employment advertising for Morris Communications, parent company of the Texas daily. Barth will undertake the new responsibility concurrently with his present position. The announcement was made today by President Will Morris.

Barth, who was classified manager for the Avalanche-Journal prior to his present role in new media, joined Morris in1998. He had previously been with Lee Enterprises for 20 years, and had served in several management positions in classified sales, retail sales and marketing.

"Bob has the range of skills and experience we need to drive our employment advertising strategy," said President Morris. "We are fortunate to have a person of his caliber leading the company's efforts in this critical area."

In his new role, Barth will be chairman of the Morris Employment Task Force, which first convened in February 2002. The committee is charged with developing new ways for newspapers to better serve the needs of both employers and job seekers in the classified advertising space.

Barth will focus on increasing market share through the implementation of creative approaches at Morris newspapers. He will report to Carl N. Cannon and James C. Currow, vice presidents for the Morris newspaper division.

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 online services. For more information, visit www.morris.com.