Born in Essen in 1917 Dietrich Oppenberg’s life was anything but ordinary. He was a publisher a founder. He founded the Neue Ruhr Zeitung a regional newspaper. This very spot the Dietrich Oppenberg Platz commemorates him. It stands as a testament to his legacy.
His early life held a secret. A young Oppenberg joined the banned Socialist Youth League. For his political activities he faced a harsh punishment. He received a prison sentence. This was for high treason. The Gestapo kept him under surveillance until 1945. Yet somehow even a völkisch nationalist helped him. Theodor Reismann-Grone aided Oppenberg during the war years. Reismann-Grone was a colleague of Alfred Hugenberg. Later he became Essen’s mayor. Oppenberg worked at his publishing house.
After World War II Oppenberg’s career took flight. In 1946 he helped establish a press welfare fund. He became its chairman in 1951. He simultaneously headed the Association of Rhenish-Westphalian Newspaper Publishers. His influence extended far beyond Essen. He was a member of the German Press Council. He served multiple terms as its spokesperson.
Oppenberg’s accomplishments brought recognition. In 1977 he received the Grand Cross of Merit. This was from President Walter Scheel. He received the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia in 1986. The Ruhr University Bochum awarded him an honorary doctorate. His contributions to publishing and communication science earned him this honor. The Dietrich Oppenberg Academy for Hospice Education and Culture also bears his name.
The Dietrich Oppenberg Haus a striking building stands nearby. It houses the Neue Ruhr Zeitung. Its architecture is quite impressive. It combines a half-round glass core with a rectangular block. This showcases an innovative design. The building’s lighting design is also noteworthy. It uses LED lines to accentuate the structure. This building serves as a modern reflection of Oppenberg’s influence. It highlights his legacy in the city. He made considerable contributions. These were to journalism and publishing. His impact on Essen is undeniable. His name lives on in this square. It stands as a reminder of a remarkable life. A life devoted to the press and its importance.