With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
EW Online's Lena Horne Obit 'Oops!'
()
Seriously, did no one think to fill in the TKs? | Screenshot of EW Online's obit for singer Lena Horne
So what's the story, Entertainment Weekly online: Are your editors hitting the punch too hard at the holiday office shindig or did the recession force you to downsize them out?
The showbiz mag let a really big "Oops!" go live online just now in their rush to cover the death of legendary songstress Lena Horne--a story that deserves a bit more TLC than a quick rush to publish what is quite obviously a pre-written obituary. How do we know? How's this for fill-in-the-blank style writing:
Support for LAist comes from
Lena Horne, the torch singer/actress whose recording career spanned 70 years, and who sought to break Hollywood color barriers to become the screen's first African-American glamour goddess, died today at age TK in location TK from cause TK.
Even the headline escaped any real, live, sensible, intelligent, breathing human's eyes: "Lena Horne dies at TK." In fact, we can't even find it published anywhere that she even died!Nice work, EW Online. You've done the journalistic equivalent of having a visible pantyline, and it's embarrassing. In the meantime, RIP, Ms. Horne--if that is truly the case. We don't have a pre-made obit stashed here at LAist, so if you'll pardon us for now, we'll take our time to do it right.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist