Covering news: obituaries
The case study: Qian Xuesen
Obit written by: The New York Times
To read the article, click here.
This obituary covers the death of a Chinese rocket scientist, Qian Xuesen, 98, who was educated in the United States before his deportation in 1955. He held prominent governmental and scholarly positions in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s but is also highly respected as the "Father of China's space program."
The lead of this obituary follows the standard New York Times formula with his name followed by identifying information followed by an announcement of his death and place of death. The next sentence is the typical, short descriptor of his age. Since Qian accomplished such powerful things, the lead about him grabbed me, despite the formula.
Sources actually cited in the obituary are few; they include a 2002 "published reminiscence" by one of Qian's colleagues and China's state media. Many of the facts may have been public knowledge since Qian's activities in the U.S. took place over half a century ago.
The obituary differs from a catalogue of accomplishments because it gives a snapshot of both positive and negative press that Qian received. It talks about what he was known for and contributed to society but also explains controversy that surrounded him.
Obit written by: The New York Times
To read the article, click here.
This obituary covers the death of a Chinese rocket scientist, Qian Xuesen, 98, who was educated in the United States before his deportation in 1955. He held prominent governmental and scholarly positions in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s but is also highly respected as the "Father of China's space program."
The lead of this obituary follows the standard New York Times formula with his name followed by identifying information followed by an announcement of his death and place of death. The next sentence is the typical, short descriptor of his age. Since Qian accomplished such powerful things, the lead about him grabbed me, despite the formula.
Sources actually cited in the obituary are few; they include a 2002 "published reminiscence" by one of Qian's colleagues and China's state media. Many of the facts may have been public knowledge since Qian's activities in the U.S. took place over half a century ago.
The obituary differs from a catalogue of accomplishments because it gives a snapshot of both positive and negative press that Qian received. It talks about what he was known for and contributed to society but also explains controversy that surrounded him.
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