Story perspectives

New York Times Obits Get Spotlight in New Book

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sam Roberts released “Are They Dead Yet?: The Art of the Obit,” a book examining the New York Times’ obituary practice.
Roberts discussed the book on PBS News’ “Settle In” podcast with Geoff Bennett.
He described obituaries as “mini-biographies” that emphasize lives rather than death.
The New York Times now employs nine obituary reporters and, after 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded obits to highlight ordinary individuals such as mail carriers.

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Story summary

Sam Roberts released “Are They Dead Yet?: The Art of the Obit,” a book examining the New York Times’ obituary practice.
Roberts discussed the book on PBS News’ “Settle In” podcast with Geoff Bennett.
He described obituaries as “mini-biographies” that emphasize lives rather than death.
The New York Times now employs nine obituary reporters and, after 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded obits to highlight ordinary individuals such as mail carriers.