AUGUSTA, Ga.—Officials of Morris Communications Co. LLC and EBC Inc., Salina, Kan., today announced they have signed a contract for Morris' purchase of the assets of EBC, which includes a group of six Kansas radio stations. The joint announcement was made by William S. Morris IV, president of Morris, and John Vanier, president of EBC.

The group includes KSAL-AM, KYEZ-FM and KZBZ-FM, Salina; KABI-AM and KSAJ-FM, Abilene; and KBLS-FM, North Fort Riley. The six stations broadcast in a variety of formats, including news/talk, contemporary rock, oldies and country favorites.

"We feel very good about adding this strong group of stations to the Morris broadcast division," Morris said. "They nicely augment our current broadcast presence in Kansas, and we look forward to becoming active corporate citizens in these communities."

"It will be very exciting for our Kansas group to become an integral part of the Morris broadcast division," Vanier said. "Morris recognizes the vital importance that a local broadcasting presence has for a community. As the broadcast industry continues its evolution into the digital age, Morris will have the ability to enhance these properties and expand their services."

Michael Osterhout, chief operating officer for the Morris broadcast division, added, "This acquisition allows Morris to expand into some excellent broadcast markets. I am also delighted that we will now own two of Kansas' heritage AM stations."

The broadcast division of Morris owns a total of 27 radio stations and two networks. Kansas broadcast properties owned by Morris are WIBW-AM, WIBW-FM, the Kansas Agriculture Network and the Kansas Information Network, all in Topeka.

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.