Founding Father

Even USA Today's most acerbic critics admit that the paper is a testament to the energy of Allen Neuharth, 63. In the paper's early months, he banged out headlines and sent hundreds of peach-colored notes critiquing each day's issue. Said an editor: "When Al wants to water-ski, we all row a little harder."

He owns two homes, six 1926 Royal typewriters and has an ego to match his $1.5 million earnings. During the past six months, Neuharth has roamed the U.S.A. in a specially outfitted $350,000 bus writing two columns a week for USA Today with the help of a six-person retinue. What will he do, come 1989, when USA Today's first editor, John Curley, 48, succeeds him as chairman? Says Curley: "Neuharth's role will be whatever he wants it to be."