What’s Really Going On With Burlington Free Press Obits For Today?
What's Really Going On With Burlington Free Press Obits Today? A Deep Dive
For many Vermonters, the Burlington Free Press obituaries serve as a vital connection to their community, a place to mourn losses and celebrate lives well-lived. However, recent inconsistencies and missing obituaries have sparked confusion and concern. This explainer breaks down what's happening, why, and what might come next.
The "Who" and "What": Missing and Delayed Obituaries
The core issue is the reported absence or significant delay in publishing obituaries in the Burlington Free Press, both online and in print. Readers have noticed obituaries that should have appeared are missing entirely, or are published several days or even weeks after they were submitted. This has primarily impacted families seeking to announce the passing of loved ones and community members relying on the Free Press as a central source for local death announcements.
The "When" and "Where": Problems Emerge in Recent Months, Primarily Affecting Chittenden County
The problems appear to have become more pronounced in recent months, with reports escalating since late 2023 and continuing into the present day (early 2024). While the issue may affect other areas of Vermont, the majority of complaints seem to originate from families and funeral homes within Chittenden County, where the Burlington Free Press is based and historically held a dominant market position.
The "Why": A Perfect Storm of Factors
Several factors are likely contributing to the obituary disruptions at the Burlington Free Press:
- Staffing Reductions: The Burlington Free Press, like many local newspapers across the country, has experienced significant staff reductions in recent years. This is a direct consequence of the changing media landscape and the shift towards online news consumption. Less staff means fewer resources to dedicate to all aspects of the paper, including obituary processing and publication. Data from the NewsGuild-CWA, a union representing journalists, shows a consistent decline in newsroom employment across the Gannett network, the parent company of the Burlington Free Press.
- Centralization of Operations: Gannett has been consolidating various functions across its newspapers to streamline operations and cut costs. This often involves centralizing tasks like obituary processing to regional or national hubs. While intended to increase efficiency, this centralization can lead to communication breakdowns, delays, and a loss of local knowledge crucial for handling obituaries accurately and sensitively.
- Technical Issues: Switching to new publishing platforms or software can sometimes cause unforeseen technical glitches and delays. It’s possible that the Burlington Free Press has been experiencing such technical challenges, further exacerbating the existing staffing and centralization issues.
- Increased Reliance on Third-Party Providers: Many newspapers now outsource obituary processing and publication to third-party providers. While this can offer cost savings, it can also introduce another layer of complexity and potential for errors. The Free Press may be relying more heavily on these providers due to internal resource constraints.
- The Changing Obituary Landscape: The rise of online memorial platforms and social media as alternative outlets for death announcements has changed the obituary landscape. While these platforms offer immediacy and widespread reach, they may not provide the same level of permanence and historical record as a traditional newspaper obituary. This shift may have impacted the perceived importance of newspaper obituaries from a business perspective, potentially leading to decreased investment in the process.
- Increased Investment in Local Staff: Gannett could reinvest in the Burlington Free Press by hiring additional staff dedicated to obituary processing and publication. This would require a commitment to local news and a recognition of the importance of obituaries to the community.
- Improved Communication and Coordination: Better communication between the Burlington Free Press, its centralized processing hubs, and any third-party providers is essential. This would help to ensure that obituaries are processed accurately and published in a timely manner.
- Transparency with the Community: The Burlington Free Press should be transparent with its readers about the challenges it is facing and the steps it is taking to address the obituary issues. This would help to build trust and manage expectations.
- Exploring Alternative Models: The Burlington Free Press could explore alternative models for obituary publication, such as partnerships with local funeral homes or community organizations. This could help to share the burden of obituary processing and ensure that obituaries are accessible to everyone.
- Leveraging Technology: Utilizing technology to streamline the obituary submission and publication process could improve efficiency and reduce errors.
Historical Context: The Decline of Local Newspapers
The current situation with Burlington Free Press obituaries is symptomatic of a broader crisis facing local newspapers nationwide. The rise of the internet and social media has disrupted traditional revenue models, leading to staff cuts, consolidation, and the closure of many local news outlets. This decline in local news coverage has profound implications for community cohesion, civic engagement, and the preservation of local history. The Burlington Free Press, once a powerful voice in Vermont, has seen its influence diminish as it grapples with these industry-wide challenges.
Current Developments: Community Response and Potential Solutions
The community response to the obituary issues has been one of frustration and disappointment. Families who have experienced delays or missing obituaries have expressed their concerns directly to the Burlington Free Press and have voiced their complaints on social media.
Potential solutions are complex but could include:
Likely Next Steps:
The immediate next steps will likely involve continued pressure from the community on the Burlington Free Press to address the obituary issues. The paper may respond with short-term fixes, such as temporary staff reassignments or adjustments to its processing procedures. However, a long-term solution will require a more fundamental shift in Gannett's approach to local news and a renewed commitment to serving the needs of the Burlington community.
It's also likely that alternative platforms for publishing obituaries will continue to gain traction, potentially filling the void left by the struggling local newspaper. This could lead to a more fragmented obituary landscape, with information spread across multiple sources.
Ultimately, the future of obituaries in the Burlington Free Press, and in local newspapers across the country, depends on the willingness of media companies to invest in local journalism and to adapt to the changing needs of their communities. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of local news and the vital role it plays in connecting people and preserving community history. Without intervention, the vital service these obituaries provide may be lost, leaving a significant void in the community's ability to mourn and remember its members.
