Question from a reader:
Can you explain the criteria for reporting the deaths of celebrities on television and in newspapers? Yesterday, there was news on social media about a celebrity who had passed away, but there was no mention of it on this morning’s television or in the newspapers. On the other hand, there was an announcement in the newspaper about
the recently deceased Takarazuka director, Mr. Tani. Additionally, the deaths of voice actors Megumi Shinohara and Hideyuki Umezu were reported in the newspapers but not on television. What accounts for these differences?
Differences in Reporting Celebrity Deaths
Recently, I have been contemplating the criteria for reporting celebrity deaths. In particular, after seeing that someone reported on social media yesterday, but there was no mention of it in this morning’s news, I found myself wondering, “What’s going on?” Generally, whether someone is reported on or not seems to depend largely on the celebrity’s level of fame and influence, as well as timing. I love comedy and enjoy both Japanese and American stand-up, so I am quite sensitive to happenings in the entertainment industry. Particularly in the voice acting world, many talented individuals are active, and among them are quite a few who may not be well-known. Thus, it is possible that the deaths of these individuals go unreported. However, there may be those with more influence or recognition than we realize, which leads to more coverage.
Reporting Voice Actor Deaths
For instance, it seems natural for someone like the recently deceased Takarazuka director, Mr. Tani, who has had a tremendous influence in a specific genre, to be reported on. In contrast, the deaths of voice actors like Megumi Shinohara and Hideyuki Umezu, who are loved by a certain fan base but are not widely recognized by the general public, may not receive coverage on television. Unfortunately, this might be an unavoidable reality. I have never been indifferent to the deaths of voice actors, but in the past, they were rarely reported. I was shocked when I heard about the passing of Yasuo Yamada. Nowadays, information spreads instantly through social media, making it feel vastly different from how it used to be.
Prioritizing Entertainment News
Ultimately, I believe that entertainment news, like other news, is selected based on priority. Especially when there are larger news stories, it is common for an individual’s death to go unreported. Television and newspapers have limited time and space to choose what to cover. I sometimes find myself arriving too early and indulging in snacks while I wait, and news coverage may work in a similar way—selected stories are what get highlighted. What celebrity or voice actor deaths have left a lasting impression on you? If you have thoughts on recent reports or interesting anecdotes to share, please feel free to comment!
