AUGUSTA, Ga.— Richard B. Esposito has been named publisher of The Oak Ridger, the Morris-owned daily newspaper serving Oak Ridge, Tenn. The announcement was made today by Morris Publishing Group President and Chief Executive Officer William S. Morris IV and Morris Vice President of Newspapers Mark A. Cohen, and is effective July 7. Esposito succeeds John E. Miller.

Esposito has 30 years of experience in the newspaper industry. Most recently, he was associate publisher of The Union newspaper in Grass Valley, Calif. Previously, Esposito served for 10 years as publisher and general manager for The Vidette-Messenger newspaper in Valparaiso, Ind. His experience also includes 10 years of advertising and marketing positions at newspapers throughout the United States, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Missouri.

"Richard is a proven leader with 30 years of solid success to his credit," Morris said. "We welcome him to the Morris publishing family and look forward to continued success in Oak Ridge."

Esposito has earned several awards for achievement throughout his career, including a General Excellence Award from the Hoosier State Press Association in 1995 and multiple advertising-related awards from the Inland Press Association. In 2000, Esposito earned a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.

"Richard is a seasoned publisher with a strong background in advertising and starting new products," Cohen said. "I am excited to have him on the team. The Oak Ridge community and our employees will benefit from his energy and enthusiasm."

Morris Publishing Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morris Communications Company, LLC, a privately held media company based in Augusta, Ga. Morris Publishing Group was formed in 2001 and assumed the operations of the newspaper business segment of its parent, Morris Communications Co. Morris Publishing Group publishes 27 daily newspapers, 13 nondaily newspapers, five city magazines and numerous free community newspapers across the United States.

CONTACT:
Michael Parsons
706-823-3533
michael.parsons@morris.com