PressCoverage

an interesting topic for debate... though i don't blame AP... it doesn't get paid by advertisers...

Debate rages over prewritten obituaries for young, living stars

John Rogers, Associated Press
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
(01-22) 04:00 PST Los Angeles --

It's never been a secret that when people die after long and distinguished careers, the detailed obituaries that major news organizations seem to produce almost instantaneously were in fact written well in advance.

But now the news that the Associated Press has prepared an obituary for 26-year-old Britney Spears has put the spotlight on a debate within the business of reporting death: With people grabbing the celebrity spotlight at a younger age, and some of them living lives of obviously dangerous excess, is it time for news organizations to begin preparing for early exits from celebritydom's under-30 crowd?

"It's a complex issue, a complex debate," says Washington Post reporter Adam Bernstein, a respected obituary writer. "It's unclear to what degree somebody really is on the edge. So do you spend the time to put something together when you're wondering whether it will run now or 70 years from now?"

Of the approximately 100 prepared obituaries the Washington Post has in its files, Bernstein could not recall any on a person under 30. He also questioned whether an obituary on someone like the troubled pop star could be much more than a recitation of bizarre public behavior, as opposed to focusing on real accomplishment. ... Such interest, longtime Hollywood publicist Michael Levine believes, is being driven by the Internet. He speculated that the Web's ability to make stars of people overnight is forcing news organizations to be more prepared to tell those celebrities' stories within minutes of their demise.

Wildo7

That's a sad commentary on the tabloid celebrity-obsessed culture that we live in. This may be the only issue I've ever agreed with Bill O'reilly on. Making a spectacle out of these people and exploiting them because to Americans they aren't human, they're a character the paparazzi has created, is really disgusting.

PressCoverage

i'll agree on the principle... however, a detailed, fact-based obituarty honors the passing of anyone, it doesn't exploit them... whether he or she was a celeb, a diplomat, an esteemed scientist, or local yocal... everyone famous gets a free obit sent to all the news outlets with an AP contract... however, it's only the local yocal's families who have to PAY for a local obit... there's where you can rip your local newspaper, no doubt... average joe's obit is not free anymore...

Holy Diver

Pay no attention to the economy and the war!

look at Britney!......she so crazy!

Harry Boy

I'm surprised Obooma & Pant Suit haven't had a debate over Britney they won't talk about Illegal Aliens, Security, The War or Gas Prices, they did have a debate over homosexualty though, maybe they're saving Britney for Labor Day.

The presidential candidates are the most disgusting group I have witnessed run for any office in my lifetime, both (R & D).

We are at war, we have a whole Army of savage religious fanatics that are waiting to enter our country and kill our children and half of the working mans pay check goes for gas so he can get to work and these f-cking scummy politicians debate about sex and fight with each other over who said what.

STAY HOME DON'T VOTE IMPEACH THE WINNER.

YOU POLITICIANS ALL EAT *****.

__________________
Harry Boy (Genius)

In The Absence Of Law And Order Society Will Surely Destroy Itself

Wildo7

quick question about "pant suit" what do you want her to wear?

Harry Boy

A Mini Skirt And An Afgan Sweater With Basketball Sneakers.

__________________
Harry Boy (Genius)

In The Absence Of Law And Order Society Will Surely Destroy Itself

Terry Glenn is a cowgirl

WHAT????

No phuq me pumps?

PressCoverage

well, no... that's saved for Amy Winehouse