"He was a great leader, " said former AP president and CEO Tom Curley, who worked closely with Mr. Neuharth.

WSJ: USA Today's Creator Dies at 89

"He was a great leader, " said former AP president and CEO Tom Curley, who worked closely with Neuharth for many years.

WSJ: USA Today founder Neuharth dies in Florida at 89

Fadlallah will speak June 9, following Washington Post editor in chief Marcus Brauchli and just prior to AP chairman Tom Curley.

FORBES: What Are They Smoking at the World Editors' Forum?

"In time, we will celebrate Bilal's release, " AP President Tom Curley said.

CNN: U.S. military frees Iraqi journalist

Tom Curley left the post of CEO in July after nine years and was replaced by Gary Pruitt, who had been CEO of The McClatchy Co.

WSJ: AP sees slight revenue decline in 2012