Allen neuharth biography

Al Neuharth

Al Neuharth (1924-2013), a lifelong journalist and First Amendment advocate, founded the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation that champions the First Amendment as a cornerstone of democracy, on July 4, 1991.

Neuharth was chairman of the Freedom Forum until 1997. He had been a trustee of its predecessor, the Gannett Foundation, from 1965 to 1991, and was chairman from 1986 to 1991.

In 1982, he founded USA TODAY, the nation’s most widely read newspaper. And he was chairman and CEO of the Gannett Co. in the 1970s and ’80s.

Neuharth was born on March 22, 1924, in Eureka, S.D. At age 11, he took his first job as a newspaper carrier. Later, as a young man, he worked in the composing room at the weekly Alpena (S.D.) Journal. After graduating from Alpena High School, he served as a combat infantryman in World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

After the war, Neuharth attended the University of South Dakota, where he majored in journalism. When he graduated in 1950, he joined The Associated Press in Sioux Falls, S.D., as a reporter.

In 1952, he and a

Al Neuharth

American businessman (1924-2013)

Allen Harold "Al" Neuharth (March 22, 1924 – April 19, 2013) was an American businessman, author, and columnist born in Eureka, South Dakota. He was the founder of USA Today, The Freedom Forum, and its Newseum.[1]

Early life

Al Neuharth was born in Eureka, South Dakota,[2] to a German-speaking family.[3] Neuharth's parents were Daniel J. and Christina, who married on January 11, 1922. Daniel died when Al was two. Al needed to help his family survive the Great Depression. He worked on his grandfather's farm.[clarification needed] As a youngster; he also delivered the Minneapolis Tribune but he gave that up for a better-paying job in the meat industry, sweeping up in the meat plants and slaughtering animals. Neuharth graduated from Alpena High School in Alpena, South Dakota, where he worked for Allen Brigham, owner of the local newspaper, the Alpena Journal. At the age of 19, Neuharth served in the Army during World War II. As a member of the 86th Infantry Division, Neuharth

Legacy Allen "Al" Neuharth

From SD Hall of Fame Programs

Legacy Allen "Al" Neuharth

Hall of Fame Inductee

South Dakota Legend

Induction Category
Arts and Entertainment
Induction Year
1980
Home Town
Alpena, SD
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