Thinking back to my early days, working at a small-market radio station in Iowa, I was surprised to see a contemporary mention of a broadcaster doing daily obituaries. In the early 1970's, we often led the noon news with a rundown of obituaries from the local funeral homes. Listeners counted on that daily reportage and were offended if it was missing or even pushed lower in the newscast. Indeed, the concept has resurfaced – this time on television:
…As with most markets that have been mired in economic doldrums, innovative thinking abounds. When the newspapers reduced their print schedules, WNEM grabbed revenue with Obit Michigan (see Station to Station, Jan. 11). Blinke calls the on-air funeral listings a “huge success”; Meredith is rolling out the model at its stations, and licensing it outside the group. “In tough times, [...]
