PHILADELPHIA, April 7, 2003 -- Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. (PNI) -- publishers of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News -- has named Bob Burns Vice President of Production. His responsibilities will include press and packaging operations, commercial printing, and the oversight of PNI's various physical facilities. Burns will join PNI starting April 21, 2003. Burns comes to PNI from The Charlotte Observer where for the past ten years he held the position of Vice President/Operations. Prior to that, he held similar positions with the Detroit Free Press and later, the Detroit Newspaper Agency. John Walsh, Senior Vice President/Operations at PNI, said, "Bob is a well- respected production executive whose leadership skills and technical expertise make him an excellent addition to our staff. His track record of success in improving press and packaging operations, and in developing talent make him an ideal choice for PNI." Burns is a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and earned a graduate degree in Business from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Bob's wife, Kristi, and their three children will be joining him here in Philadelphia after the school year ends.