Augusta, Ga. - Steven B. Strout of Alpharetta, Ga., has been named to the new position of chief information officer (CIO) of Morris Communications. The appointment was announced today by Company President William S. Morris IV, and is effective immediately.

Strout, whose career in information technology spans more than15 years, had been with The Thomson Corp., a software and publishing company, since 1995. During that time he served as vice president and chief technology officer (CTO) for Thomson Learning; senior vice president and CTO for Thomson Scientific, Reference & Healthcare; and senior vice president and CTO for Thomson Newspapers. Before joining the Thomson group, Strout spent a total of 10 years with The New York Times Co. in various technology management positions.

"We are delighted to bring an executive of Steve�s caliber and experience into our company," said President Morris. "He will play a key role in the implementation of our company-wide shared service initiatives."

Strout will head a newly structured information technology department that will incorporate the existing, currently separate, departments of computer services and network services. Tilden Leigh, former director of computer services, will become director of information technology operations. Lowell Dorn, former director of network services, will become director of network operations.

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.