writing obits. what’s an obit? it’s a news story about a death. it’s also about the life of a...
TRANSCRIPT
Writing Obits
What’s an obit?
It’s a news story about a death. It’s also about the LIFE of a person. Usually, the person is of some
importance – community, state, nation or world.
Importance of obits
Name printed in paper twice – when born and when die
Stories saved for decades
Importance of accuracy
Must get names right Talk to grieving relatives, friends and
co-workers Double check info from funeral home
and elsewhere
Timeliness of obit
Must write quickly Must get story in day after someone
dies
No Saints
About people, not gods Humans are flawed OK to point out those flaws Examples
Types of obits
News obit Feature obit, i.e. Johnny Carson Commoner
Focus of obit
On person and person’s “claim to fame”
“Claim to fame” – how most people know the person
“Claim to fame” – reason you write the obit
Obit structure
Tell readers early in story – lede - who died
How the person died Include achievements in body of story Include high and low points End story with list of survivors, burial
and funeral arrangements