THE APEX TIMES
Sam Roberts discusses how obituaries are written, in NPR interview tied to new book
NPR’s Eyder Peralta speaks with veteran New York Times obituary writer Sam Roberts about his career and his new book, “Are They Dead Yet?”
NPR on Aug. 15 aired a conversation with veteran journalist Sam Roberts about how obituaries are written, as well as his work producing them over the course of his career. The interview, conducted by NPR’s Eyder Peralta, centers on Roberts’ experiences writing death notices and the craft behind turning a life into a reported narrative.
In the program, Peralta speaks with Roberts about his long-running role as an obituary writer at The New York Times. The discussion frames obituary writing as a specific form of journalism that requires its own approach to reporting, structure, and presentation.
The interview is also a promotion and discussion around Roberts’ new book, “Are They Dead Yet?” NPR’s description of the segment says Roberts talks about the subject with Peralta, linking his professional history in obituaries to the themes of his book.
Roberts’ career writing obituaries for the New York Times is presented as the backbone of the conversation. The segment positions obituary writing not only as a response to a death, but as a form of storytelling grounded in reporting for readers who want a clear, timely account of what mattered in a person’s life.
Peralta’s questions in the interview are described by NPR as exploring “the art of the obit,” with the program highlighting the ways an obituary can function as both record and narrative. Roberts and Peralta discuss how his work informs his perspective on the form.
The NPR segment, released on Aug. 15 at 11:40 a.m. Eastern, functions as an audience-facing preview of Roberts’ book and as an inside look at obituary journalism from a practitioner who has spent a substantial part of his career in that beat.
Why It Matters
- Obituary journalism is a widely read media format, and the interview gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at how the work is approached.
- The segment links an experienced journalist’s professional history to a new book, potentially drawing additional attention to obituary writing as a craft.
- Because obituaries often serve as durable public records, audience interest in the mechanics of the form can influence how media consumers evaluate reporting quality.
- The timing of the program around the book’s release can affect readership and sales as audiences look for more context on the subject.
Sources
Key Facts
- NPR aired an interview on Aug. 15 with veteran journalist Sam Roberts.
- The interview was conducted by NPR’s Eyder Peralta.
- NPR described Roberts as a longtime obituary writer whose career includes work for The New York Times.
- The conversation focuses on “the art of the obit,” NPR said.
- Roberts also discussed his new book, “Are They Dead Yet?”
- The NPR segment was published Aug. 15 at 11:40:12 a.m. Eastern time.