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Navigating the Future of Obituaries: Insights from Legacy.com

In a recent NENPA University webinar, Ron Speechley, VP of Sales at Legacy.com, shared expert insights into the evolving obituary industry and its critical role in the newspaper business. With over 25 years of experience in media, including seven years at Legacy.com, Speechley provided actionable strategies to optimize this vital category.

Obituaries: The Cornerstone of Community News

Speechley emphasized that obituaries are more than announcements of death—they are a vital form of community news. As user-generated, paid content, they consistently drive high engagement, often ranking as the most-clicked section on newspaper websites.

Despite their importance, the obituary market is facing challenges. Rising costs and shifting funeral traditions, such as the growing popularity of cremations and DIY funerals, have impacted traditional practices. Today, only 30% of deaths result in published obituaries, a significant decline from past years.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

  1. Pricing Concerns: With average obituary costs nearing $390, many families face sticker shock, leading to shorter obits or opting out entirely. Speechley suggested rethinking pricing models, including subscription-based strategies with funeral homes to encourage consistent placements.
  2. Funeral Home Relationships: Building strong connections with local funeral directors is crucial. Regular communication can help newspapers better understand how obits are presented to families and align strategies to meet their needs.
  3. Digital Transformation: Millennials, the emerging decision-makers for baby boomer funerals, expect digital-first solutions. Legacy.com and other platforms offer AI-powered tools to assist families in crafting meaningful, well-written obituaries. Testing digital-only obituary packages with upsell options, such as memorial videos, can cater to this demographic while expanding its reach.
  4. Content Quality: Funeral directors and families often struggle to create comprehensive obituaries due to time and cost constraints. Tools like Legacy.com’s AI writing assistant help address this challenge, ensuring obituaries capture the full life story.

The Way Forward

To sustain and grow this category, Speechley encouraged newspapers to:

  • Revisit their pricing and placement strategies.
  • Focus on user-friendly digital platforms.
  • Strengthen funeral home partnerships.
  • Experiment with innovative solutions, including digital-only obituary offerings.

In conclusion, Speechley highlighted the enduring significance of obituaries as a cornerstone of the newspaper industry. By adapting to changing trends and proactively engaging with stakeholders, newspapers can continue to provide this essential service while driving revenue and engagement.

Visit the NENPA U Recordings page and stay tuned for other upcoming NENPA U webinars addressing other pivotal industry topics.

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Apply Now – GNI AI Lab for News Sustainability

The Google News Initiative and Blue Engine Collaborative invite North American local news organizations to apply for the GNI AI Lab for News Sustainability.

The program will begin in March 2025 and run approximately six months.

Participating publishers will receive regular workshops to help channel innovation thinking toward practical use, as well as group and one-on-one coaching to bring their AI ideas to life.

This program will help organizations use AI to drive the business of news, giving participants a structured way to test AI tools in pursuit of key business goals such as:

  • audience development

  • revenue growth

  • product development

  • operational efficiency

  • data analytics, or

  • other focuses as sought by the participants.

The AI Lab is a perfect fit for operational leaders inside news organizations who have dabbled in generative AI but haven’t yet found a way to put it to work for their major business goals.

Your organization is a good fit if:

  • You are a local news organization (digital, print, broadcast, etc.), nonprofit or for-profit, focused on public service for audiences in the United States or Canada;

  • You have an interest in experimenting with AI applications to better support your business in any of the areas listed above, and you are committed to a test-and-learn mindset to pursue it;

  • There’s a particular focus on applicants who self identify in the following ways: Your news organization is owned, led by, or serves Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and/or other people of color; your news organization is owned, led by, or serves women or the LGBTQ+ community; and/or your news organization serves a defined local community.​​

At the Lab’s conclusion, participants will walk away with better business outcomes attributable directly to AI use, a better understanding of what AI tools can do to drive business outcomes, and the ability to help peers across their organizations build with AI.

APPLY NOW

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Nominations now open for the 2025 Goldsmith Awards

The Shorenstein Center is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Goldsmith Awards! The Goldsmith Awards Program strives to foster a more insightful and spirited public debate about government, politics and the press, and to demonstrate the essential role of a free press in a thriving democracy.

Here’s a brief overview of the awards in 2025:

The Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting honors investigative reporting that best promotes more effective and ethical conduct of government, the making of public policy, or the practice of politics. The winner receives $25,000, and five finalists receive $10,000. The deadline for submissions is January 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Goldsmith Prize for Explanatory Reporting is a new award that honors reporting that focuses on the functioning of government and the implementation of public policy. Exemplary pieces use an explanatory and solutions-focued lens to illuminate a government or public policy implementation process, program, or problem. The winner will receive $15,000. The deadline for submissions is January 9, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Goldsmith Book Prize is awarded to the best trade and best academic book published in the United States in the last 24 months that fulfills the objective of improving democratic governance through an examination of the intersection between the media, politics and public policy. $5,000 is awarded to the winner in each category. The deadline for submissions is December 18, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Winners and finalists are honored at a ceremony at Harvard in the spring, and their accomplishments are promoted widely.

It is FREE to enter! Newsrooms may submit up to 2 entries for the investigative prize, and an unlimited number for this first year of the explanatory prize!

More information about all of the awards can be found at goldsmithawards.org.

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Upcoming Networking Event for New England Journalists on Tuesday, December 10

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to network, relax, and mingle with fellow journalists and media professionals in a fun setting. Whether you’re a seasoned editor, reporter, or new to the field, this event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees.

Event Details:

This FREE event is open to all media professionals in New England. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues from various news organizations, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.

What to Expect

  • A vibrant atmosphere for networking
  • Cash bar available
  • Chance to meet journalists from diverse backgrounds and media outlets

The Boston Association of Black Journalists, the New England chapters of the Asian American Journalists Association and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, are joining forces to host the event with the New England Society of News Editors, with support from NENPA.

Please spread the word to your colleagues and join us for what promises to be an engaging and fun-filled evening! If you have a chance, RSVP to emily.sweeney@globe.com.

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Unlock the Power of Obituaries: Register for this webinar with Legacy.com on December 10

Join veteran media expert Ron Speechley, VP of Sales at Legacy.com, for a compelling NENPA University 30-minute webinar that dives into the evolving world of obituaries and their essential role in community news. Drawing on insights from over 1,500 newspapers, this educational session will empower attendees with the knowledge and strategies to strengthen their obituary offerings.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Historical Significance of Obituaries: Discover the vital role obituaries have played as a cornerstone of community journalism.
  • Generational Shifts in End-of-Life Traditions: Understand how evolving traditions are impacting obituary placement and readership.
  • Actionable Strategies for Success: Gain practical ideas to ensure your publication is the go-to destination for anyone looking to place or read obituaries.

Meet the Speaker:
Ron Speechley brings over 25 years of expertise working with leading media companies nationwide. During his tenure at SRDS (Standard Rate and Data Service), Ron partnered with major media outlets, helping them optimize their strategies. Now, as VP of Sales at Legacy.com, he consults with newspaper affiliates to maximize the obituary category’s potential. Ron is based in Chicago and continues to be a thought leader in the industry.

Why You Should Attend:
Obituaries remain one of the most meaningful and trusted sections of community news. As audience preferences shift, this webinar offers the insights you need to adapt and thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s top experts. Reserve your spot today!

Register Here
Duration: 30 minutes
Date & Time: December 10, 2024, 12:00-12:30 EST
Cost: Free to Press Association Members, $15 for Non-members

Secure your place now and gain the tools to make your obituary section an even more vital part of your community’s story.

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Thank you for your dedication to journalism

As we take a moment to reflect on the season of giving thanks, we want to express our deep appreciation for everything you do to make journalism thrive.

From uncovering important stories to shaping them for your readers, from connecting with audiences to keeping the gears of advertising, circulation, and accounting turning, you ensure that the news keeps flowing to the communities we serve.

Your dedication to truth and your tireless efforts are what sustain and strengthen journalism in these challenging times. We’re incredibly grateful for your hard work, your creativity, and your resilience.

Thank you for being an essential part of this mission. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and meaningful holiday season.

The NENPA offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. Our eBulletin will return with its regular programming on December 6, 2024.

With gratitude,

Staff of the New England Newspaper and Press Association

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Better Newspaper Contest Deadline Has Been Extended To Nov 24 – There’s still time to enter and be recognized!

Good news! The deadline to enter the New England Newspaper & Press Association’s Better Newspaper Competition has been extended to Sunday, November 24, 2024. There’s still time to showcase your best work and gain recognition from your readers and peers.

As New England’s largest and most prestigious journalism recognition program, this competition is your opportunity to:

  • Highlight your finest work.
  • Reward and celebrate your hardworking team.
  • Share your achievements with your readers.

All work published by NENPA member news organizations between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, is eligible.

The competition spans three divisions:

Download the division packets for complete guidelines, rules, competitive categories, and judging criteria. Each packet includes FAQs to guide you through preparing your entries.

Don’t miss this chance to be recognized for the skill, passion, and dedication that go into producing outstanding journalism. Celebrate your achievements and give your readers a reason to be proud.

Mark your calendar: Winners will be honored at the annual New England Newspaper Convention in Spring 2025.

Act now to participate in the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition! Showcase your work, celebrate your team, and inspire your peers.

Got questions? Email us at L.Conway@nenpa.com or T.Cleary@nenpa.com.

Learn more about the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition.

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2024-2025 Obituaries

You will notice a change in the format of our obituaries. Our obituary program, dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of those who shaped the New England newspaper industry, is experiencing some technical difficulties. We are working on addressing these to ensure it continues to serve as a valuable resource for the community. In the meantime, if you have any information about a recently deceased journalist, photographer, editor, publisher, or anyone who worked in the New England newspaper industry, please let us know so that we can list the information for friends and colleagues. Send any information or links to t.cleary@nenpa.com.

Mike Rosenberg, The Bedford Citizen’s first staff reporter and a community legend, dies while on the job

Journalist, writer, and photographer Phyllis “Pam” Muzeroll passes away at 69

Providence Journal journalist Shirley Anne Utterback passes away at 99

Hall of Fame Member, Christopher Eddings, passes away at 75

Yankee Quill Award Winner Ed Bell passes away at 84

Former longtime Courant reporter Barbara Carlson dies at 95

Charles Sutton, New England journalist and publisher, passes away at 93

Journalist and author Arthur E. (Ted) Rowse, died Jan. 6 at the age of 104

Abbie Roberts, former editor, The Lincoln County News, dies at 94

Robert Mellis, journalist, former publisher, world traveler dies at age 84

Tom Condon, Yankee Quill and Hall of Fame member, has died at 78

Newspaper Hall of Fame member Selma Williams passes away at 93

Larry Laughlin, longtime AP bureau chief for northern New England, dies at 75

Catherine O’Kane, founder and publisher of the Vermont County Sampler newspaper, died Sept. 26

Nicholas Daniloff, dies at 89, after a storied career in journalism

Steve Morse, Music Critic at The Boston Globe for Three Decades, Dies at 76

Dan Dunn, three-time winner of NENPA Photographer of the Year, passes away at 73

Longtime NH journalist and former Concord Monitor publisher Mark Travis passes away

Saralee Perel, beloved columnist on Cape Cod, passes away August 16

John Celestino, regional executive for CNHI newspapers in New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, recalled as community-minded newspaper leader

Stanley Thomas DeCoster, 80, a respected, highly decorated news reporter and editor at The Day

Paul Demoorjian, over 44 years in the Composing Department at the Manchester Union Leader

Joseph Fitzgerald, longtime Boston Herald columnist

Ross Gelbspan former Globe reporter

Anthony Hill journalist, writer, documentarian and videographer

John Kuhns Obituary (1947 – 2024) – Etna, NH – Valley News (legacy.com)

Harvey Schoenberg freelance journalist Rhode Island

Steve Sherman prolific writer, journalist, photographer

Jim Sunshine, who spent decades at The Journal as a reporter and editor, dies at 99

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Get your school recognized in the 2024 New England Better Newspaper Competition

It’s not too late to submit your entries to the 2024 New England Better Newspaper Competition – New England’s most prestigious college journalism recognition program.

Starting in 2022, colleges and universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont were invited to enter 27 competitive categories, including College Newspaper of the Year. Our first two years were a resounding success, with over 20 schools participating.

We encourage you to participate in the Better Newspaper Competition to recognize your students’ best work, compete with peers, and compare your coverage and publication.

All college and university publications located in New England may enter, regardless of membership status, and submit up to 10 entries for a low flat fee of only $125.

We are running a promotion for Academic Membership to the New England Newspaper and Press Association that includes the contest entries. Click here for information on the expanded benefits of Academic Membership.

Work published by student publications in print and/or online during the contest year, August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, is eligible for this competition.

You can download the information packet for all the information necessary to prepare your entries, including a list of competitive categories, complete rules and guidelines, and criteria that each contest category will be judged upon.

The deadline to submit entries is Friday, November 15, 2024.

Awards will be presented at the annual New England Newspaper Convention, happening in Spring 2025.

We wish you the very best of luck in this year’s competition! For any questions and further information, do not hesitate to contact students@nenpa.com.

Learn more about the Better Newspaper Competition

Learn more about NENPA Academic Membership

Submit your entries

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Press politicians on election promises

Jim Pumarlo is a former editor of the Red Wing (Minn.) Republican Eagle. He writes, speaks, and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. He is the author of “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” He can be reached at www.pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at jim@pumarlo.com.

Elections are over, and you breathe a sigh of relief. The exhaustive campaign season has concluded, and newsrooms can return to some level of normalcy.

Not so fast. The most substantive aspect of election coverage may loom. Your pages have been filled with campaign promises detailed in stories, letters to the editor, and ads. The next logical step: Are the winners keeping their promises?

In that regard, mark April 1. It’s common to rate the president’s first 100 days in office. Why not do the same for other elected officials? Yes, it’s unreasonable to expect a great deal of policy-making in the first three months, but it’s an opportunity to get a flavor of lawmakers’ priorities and participation.

The lack of civility in politics prompts many to bemoan the 24/7/365 election cycle. The hyper partisanship unfortunately has permeated into local races. At the same time, this is an excellent reminder that election coverage cannot simply be turned on and turned off during campaign season. Benchmarking is likely easiest, and most relevant to readers, by focusing on local elected officials.

Continuing coverage, if thoughtfully planned, goes a long way toward holding elected officials accountable. It also can enrich coverage of local public affairs, providing substantive content beyond blow-by-blow meeting reports.

Several angles can be pursued once newly elected bodies take shape. For example:

  • Candidates emerge victorious propelled by a platform of what they represent and promise to accomplish. Prepare periodic scorecards of their performance.
  • A new year often is accompanied by a new agenda – “state of the state” speeches by the mayor, county board chair or school board presidents. Detail their objectives and track progress, periodically generating stories and, where appropriate, editorial commentary.
  • Elections can produce new voting blocs and changes in governing dynamics. That may be easily noticed when individuals run on a party label. It’s less evident in nonpartisan contests. Reporters who regularly cover these bodies are in an excellent position to analyze the changes and preview what might be in store.

This year’s acrimonious presidential election offers a more immediate opportunity for examination. Party-line voting is common among many voters, leading at the top of the ticket. Did that pattern hold sway this year? 

Track the local voting percentages for the presidential nominees compared to other partisan races. Research the same percentages for the presidential election four years ago. Did margins remain static or were there significant changes? Any surprises in either regard?

Create a nice, easy-to-read graphic with the figures. Then connect with local party leaders or elder statesmen to interpret the patterns. Consider maybe a retired public official, an incumbent who chose not to seek re-election, or a political science professor at an area university.

Are you short on newsroom resources or simply exhausted from writing election stories? Explore point/counterpoint columns for the editorial page. You provide the theme, and others generate the content. Publish the commentaries side-by-side with their photos. Produce a nice graphic restating the final vote totals and maybe additional breakdown such as contrasting urban/rural districts – whatever might be appropriate.

A deeper review of what the voters said doesn’t have to be all rolled into the next day’s edition. Follow-up stories are excellent content for your newspaper in succeeding days and weeks and help readers know what the election results really mean.

Newsrooms should put as much effort into post-election reports as in ongoing campaign coverage. Both your newspaper and community will benefit.

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