Augusta, Ga. - Mark L. Turner has been named general manager of five Alaska publications owned by Morris Communications. He succeeds Craig W. Johnson, who resigned. Gary R. Thomas has been promoted to publisher of the Homer (Alaska) News, succeeding Turner in that position.

Turner's new management responsibilities include oversight of Alaska Journal of Commerce, Alaska Oil & Gas Reporter, Alaska Military Weekly and Alaskan Equipment Trader, all of Anchorage, and Alaska Star, a nondaily newspaper in Eagle River. In addition, Turner will oversee the publication of two military base papers.

In a journalism career spanning 22 years, Turner was a reporter and teacher before joining the Homer News as editor in 1991. He became publisher in 1993, and the paper was purchased by Morris in February 2000.

Thomas joined Morris three years ago as an advertising representative in the business and marketing division of the Homer News. His media management background includes 10 years as general manager of KBBI, Homer's public radio station, and nine years as president and CEO of Bodett & Co. and Clearshot Productions.

"Both Mark and Gary are veterans of the information industry, and we look forward to the energy and innovation they are sure to bring to their new positions in our Alaska publications group," said President Will Morris.

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.