<p>Richard Esposito, an executive with 30 years' experience at newspapers, has been named publisher of The Oak Ridger, Morris Publishing Group LLC announced Monday.</p><p>Esposito, most recently associate publisher of The Union in Grass Valley, Calif., joined the five-day, 7,200-circulation Oak Ridger effective July 7, according to the paper's Augusta, Ga.-based parent company.</p><p>He succeeds John Miller, who retired June 30 after nearly three years as publisher.</p><p>"Richard is a seasoned publisher with a strong background in advertising and starting new products," Morris vice president Mark A. 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."</p><p>Esposito, who previously served for 10 years as publisher and general manager of The Vidette-Messenger in Valparaiso, Ind., received a general excellence award from the Hoosier State Press Association in 1995 and multiple advertising-related awards from the Inland Press Association.</p><p>Morris Publishing Group publishes 27 daily newspapers, 13 nondailies, five city magazines and numerous free community newspapers.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x1cd9cc4)</p>
