Morris Communications Co. LLC became the ninth newspaper publisher to join the Yahoo Inc. consortium aimed at growing online recruitment revenues.

Morris’ 27 papers will begin offering Yahoo HotJobs employment and recruitment services to local employers and job seekers.

In addition, Morris’ newspapers will work with Yahoo to provide search, content and local applications across its publications’ Web sites.

The consortium, unveiled in November, now represents more than 200 papers published by backers Belo Corp.; Cox Newspapers Inc.; E.W. Scripps Co.; Hearst Communications Inc.; Journal Register Co.; Lee Enterprises Inc.; Media General Inc. and MediaNews Group Inc.