Background
Oppel, Richard Alfred was born on January 30, 1943 in Newark. Son of Alfred William and Jane Genevieve Oppel.
Oppel, Richard Alfred was born on January 30, 1943 in Newark. Son of Alfred William and Jane Genevieve Oppel.
Bachelor in Political Science, University South Florida.
Reporter Tampa Tribune, Florida, 1963-1965. Newsman, correspondent, chief bureau Associated Press, Tallahassee, Tampa, Miami and Detroit, 1965-1976. Associate editor Detroit Free Press, 1976-1977.
Executive editor, vice president Tallahassee Democrat, 1977-1978. Vice president Charlotte (North Carolina) Observer, 1978-1993. Editor Charlotte News, 1985-1987.
Chief Washington bureau Knight-Ridder Newspapers, Washington, 1993-1995. Editor Austin (Texas) American Statesman, Austin, Texas, since 1995.
President North Carolina First Amendment Foundation Served with United States Marine Corps Reserve, 1960-1965. Member North Carolina Press Association (president 1992-1993), American Society Newspaper Editors (president 2000-2001).
Married Carol Freeman Van Aken, April 1, 1967. Children: Richard Alfred, Shelby Reid.