Al Neuharth, USA Today founder, dies

Associated Press

COCOA BEACH, Fla.

USA Today founder Al Neuharth has died in Cocoa Beach, Fla. He was 89.

The news was announced Friday by USA Today and by the Newseum, which he also founded.

Neuharth changed American newspapers by putting easy-to-read articles and bright graphics in his national daily publication, which he began in 1982 when he ran the Gannett Co. newspaper group.

He wanted to create a bright, breezy, fun newspaper that would catch people’s attention and not take itself too seriously.

Neuharth had retired in 1989.