AUGUSTA, Ga.— Jennifer L. Johnson has been named director of market research for Morris Communications Co. The announcement was made by MCC President William S. Morris IV and Vice President of Market Research James E. Smith, and is effective immediately.

Johnson has been with Morris for six years, serving as research manager for the past four years. Her responsibilities have included research budgeting, vendor relations, and staff management and development. Johnson will continue to serve directly under Smith, taking on many of his responsibilities in her new role - such as meeting increasing demands for sales support materials and improved market research analysis.

"Jennifer's research and management skills, together with the vast knowledge she has accrued about Morris and its respective markets, make her the perfect choice to lead the day-to-day activities of Morris market research," Morris said. "With Jennifer Johnson, I have no doubt the department is in very capable hands."

Johnson's responsibilities are expected to increase as the department takes on the management and staffing of the circulation and advertising customer relationship management systems. The department also is developing a plan to conduct in-house interviewing to reduce data-gathering costs and increase the quantity, quality and timeliness of its survey research. However, Smith said Johnson is more than equipped to take on the added responsibilities.

"Jennifer has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to Morris in her six years with the company," Smith said. "She has an outstanding work ethic and a dedication to her job and to the company that is unexcelled."

Morris Communications Co., LLC is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, book publishing and distribution, visitor guide publishing, radio broadcasting and online services.

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