Augusta, Ga. - Don Smith has been named publisher of the Juneau (Alaska) Empire and assumed his new responsibilities Dec. 27. The official announcement was made today by William S. Morris III, chairman and chief executive officer of Morris Communications.

Smith was formerly group publisher of Morris' Western Slope Publishing Group, a network of seven Colorado publications which were sold in November 2000.

Before moving to Colorado in May 1998, Smith was publisher of the Yankton (S.D.) Daily Press & Dakotan for five years. Morris purchased the Dakotan along with other properties owned by Stauffer Communications in 1995.

"Don is beginning his 30th year in the newspaper business this year," said Morris. "He has made a great contribution to the industry and to our company. We are very fortunate to have a person with his knowledge and experience to assume the leadership role in Juneau."

Earlier in his career, Smith was advertising director for the Hannibal (Mo.) Courier-Post for 12 years, and in advertising sales for the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune for his first 10 years in the newspaper business.

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 see the company's Web site at www.morris.com.