Augusta, Ga. - John A. Winters has been named director of Morris News Service, which supports Morris-owned daily newspapers from bureaus in Atlanta and Austin, Texas. The announcement was made today by William S. Morris III, chairman and chief executive officer of Morris Communications Company LLC.

Winters has been general manager of The Grand Island (Neb.) Independent for the past two years, and prior to that was publisher of the Juneau (Alaska) Empire for five years. Winters, who has been with Morris Communications for 17 years, also spent seven years as a reporter for The Augusta Chronicle. He then served for three years as the Chronicle's bureau chief in Washington, D.C.

"John is an ideal person to lead our bureau operations and take them to a new level," said Morris. "He has a strong background in the industry and an excellent command of all aspects of the business."

Winters will assume his new responsibilities early in July and will be based in Atlanta.

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.