US: Miami Herald eyes video obituaries

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on August 23, 2007 at 3:49 PM

Apparently, the NY Times’ video obits have drawn more success than outcries. The Miami Herald announced that it sought to change its approach to obituaries and wanted to include audio and / or video in the online edition.

Elinor J. Brecher, head of the Herald’s obit desk and a verteran reporter, recently announced her desire to produce “pre-bits.”

“We also hope that people who understand their place in the history and culture of South Florida will consider sitting for ''pre-bits:'' videotaped interviews to be shown on the site following the subject's death,” wrote Brecher.

She encourages everybody with an “interesting life” to participate in the Herald’s pre-bits.

“The absence of electronic material doesn't render someone unworthy of a news obituary. An interesting life stands on its own.”

Let’s see if the idea is as popular among Florida’s readers as it is among news editors.

Source: Miami Herald - The Daily Pulp blog