Newspapers Use Prewritten Obituaries for Celebrities
- Prewritten Obituaries — Many major news organizations maintain prewritten obituaries, known as 'advance obituaries,' for notable individuals to ensure timely publication upon their deaths.
- Preparation Process — These obituaries are often prepared years in advance and are regularly updated to reflect any new developments in the individual's life.
- Selection Criteria — Typically, prewritten obituaries are reserved for well-known public figures, such as celebrities, politicians, and influential leaders, who have made significant impacts.
- Timeliness — The practice allows newspapers to publish detailed and comprehensive obituaries quickly after a celebrity's death, avoiding the rush of writing under tight deadlines.
- Historical Shift — The need for advance obituaries has grown with the rise of the internet, as news organizations aim to break news online rather than waiting for the next day's print edition.
From poynter.org
Many news organizations keep prewritten obituaries, known as “advance obituaries,” of influential figures on hand, ready to publish at a moment’s notice.
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Preparation and Updates
- Writing Process — Obituaries are often written by experienced journalists who may specialize in certain fields, ensuring accuracy and depth.
- Regular Updates — These obituaries are updated periodically to include recent achievements or changes in the subject's life, ensuring they remain current.
- Research — Writers conduct extensive research, including reviewing biographies, past interviews, and speaking with experts to create a comprehensive narrative.
- Interviews — Occasionally, journalists may interview the subject or their close associates to gather personal insights, though this is not always the case.
- Storage — News organizations maintain a database of these obituaries, which can number in the hundreds, ready for immediate publication.
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Because obituaries can be written years in advance, reporters must keep them updated if the subject makes news.
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Selection of Subjects
- Notable Figures — Subjects are typically individuals who have had a significant impact in their field or society, such as politicians, entertainers, and cultural icons.
- Criteria — Factors include the individual's fame, age, health status, and potential for sudden newsworthiness.
- Health Considerations — Those with known health issues or risky lifestyles may be prioritized for advance obituaries.
- Public Interest — The potential public interest in the individual's life story and achievements also plays a role in selection.
- Impact — The decision often involves assessing the potential impact of the individual's death on the public and media.
To get an advance obituary, one generally has to be a well-known public figure.
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Historical Context
- Evolution — The practice of prewriting obituaries has evolved significantly, especially with the advent of digital media.
- Internet Influence — The internet has increased the need for immediate news updates, prompting more prewritten obituaries.
- Traditional vs. Modern — Historically, obituaries were written posthumously, but the shift to prewritten pieces reflects changes in news consumption.
- Growth — The number of prewritten obituaries has grown as news organizations aim to stay competitive and timely.
- Notable Examples — High-profile cases, such as the premature publication of Steve Jobs' obituary, highlight the risks and importance of this practice.
From poynter.org
But over the next 10 years, as the internet became where you want to break news as opposed to in the next day’s newspaper, the need to build up the advance obituaries bank became urgent.
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