Burl Osborne

Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Not only was Burl Osborne an outstanding publisher and businessman, he was a true journalist. He is best remembered for being president and publisher of The Dallas Morning News and also served as chairman of the board of the Associated Press.

Osborne was hired by the AP soon after he graduated college in 1960 and worked for the wire service for 20 years. He started as a reporter in Bluefield, West Virginia, moved around the nation, became a bureau chief and eventually was managing editor of the AP’s worldwide news service.

In 1980, Osborne joined The Dallas Morning News, becoming the first “outsider” to be named executive editor in 50 years. Known by his staff as a tough, demanding editor, he insisted on accuracy, fairness and professionalism. He was a fierce competitor who insisted that his journalists keep attitude and opinion out of the news pages. It was a formula for phenomenal success. During his 20 years with the paper, The News more than doubled its circulation, was awarded six Pulitzer Prizes and in 1991 bought its competitor, the Dallas Times Herald.

Along the way, Osborne was actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations and received many honors for his visionary leadership. He retired as publisher and editor of The News on Dec. 31, 2000. He remained on the company’s board of directors until May 2002 and held the title of publisher emeritus until 2007.

He died in Dallas on Aug. 15, 2012.