Placing an obituary in a reputable newspaper like the Pioneer Press is a time-honored way to announce the passing of a loved one and share details of their life with the community. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to submit an obituary to the Pioneer Press, ensuring a respectful and accurate announcement. Understanding this process can also offer insights into the various roles within a newspaper, from customer service to editorial, relevant to those interested in Pioneer Press Jobs and the operations behind local news dissemination.
General Information Needed for Obituary Submission
To begin the process of placing an obituary, you will need to compile some essential information. This initial step is crucial for the Pioneer Press team to assist you effectively and ensure all details are correctly recorded. Think of this as the first interaction with the Pioneer Press customer service, a facet of pioneer press jobs that focuses on community engagement and support.
Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- Your Full Name: This is for contact purposes and to manage the obituary submission process.
- Address (City, State, Zip Code): Your address is needed for record-keeping and potential correspondence.
- Phone Number: A primary phone number for immediate communication regarding your submission.
- Alternate Phone Number (if any): Providing an alternate number ensures that the Pioneer Press can reach you even if the primary number is unavailable.
Having these details ready streamlines the submission process and allows the Pioneer Press staff to handle your request efficiently, showcasing the organizational skills valued in many pioneer press jobs.
Obituary Specifications: Crafting the Announcement
The heart of your submission is the obituary itself. This section outlines the specific details required to create the announcement as you envision it. Accuracy and clarity here are paramount to honor your loved one appropriately. This stage involves a degree of content creation and attention to detail, skills that are also relevant to editorial roles within pioneer press jobs.
Here are the specifications to prepare:
- Name of Deceased: The full name of the person who has passed away, as it should appear in the obituary.
- Obituary Text: The written tribute to the deceased. This can include biographical information, accomplishments, family details, and service information. Consider drafting this carefully to convey the intended message and tone.
- Photo (JPEG or PDF preferred): A photograph to accompany the obituary. While JPEG and PDF are preferred for ease of use, other file formats like TIF are also accepted. Be prepared to be contacted if there are any issues with the photo file. Visual elements are important in newspaper presentation, a consideration relevant to design and layout roles in pioneer press jobs.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish the obituary to be published. The Pioneer Press offers discounts for running the obituary for more than one day, which must be scheduled at the outset. Planning the run dates efficiently is part of the service provided, reflecting the organizational aspects of pioneer press jobs in advertising and scheduling.
- Photo Usage for Multiple Days: If you choose to include a photo and run the obituary for multiple days with a discount, note that the photo must be included on each day to qualify for the discount. Clarify this with the obituary desk to ensure correct billing and placement.
Pioneer Press Policies: Verification and Guidelines
The Pioneer Press adheres to certain policies to maintain accuracy and respect in obituary publications. Understanding these policies is essential for a smooth submission process. These policies reflect the ethical standards and operational procedures inherent in pioneer press jobs within the media industry.
Verification of Death: Ensuring Accuracy
To uphold journalistic integrity and prevent misinformation, the Pioneer Press requires verification of death.
- Funeral Home/Cremation Society Contact: Provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press will contact them during business hours to verify the passing. This verification process highlights the importance of accuracy and fact-checking, key responsibilities in editorial and journalistic pioneer press jobs.
- University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program (or similar): If the deceased’s body has been donated to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, their phone number can be used for verification.
- Death Certificate: Alternatively, a death certificate is also accepted as verification. Only one of these verification methods is necessary.
Allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral homes or similar institutions may have limited availability.
Guestbook and Outside Website References: Maintaining Focus
The Pioneer Press policy restricts referencing external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries.
- No External Guestbook/Obituary Links: Direct links to guestbooks or obituaries on other platforms are not permitted in print and online obituaries placed with the Pioneer Press.
- Funeral Home Website or Family Email: You can include a website for the funeral home or a family email address for contact purposes instead. If you have questions about this policy and alternative options, contact the obituary desk for clarification. This policy ensures the Pioneer Press remains the primary point of contact for their obituary announcements, a factor in managing their content and service offerings, relevant to pioneer press jobs in content management and customer relations.
Obituary Process: From Submission to Publication
Understanding the step-by-step process from submitting your obituary to seeing it published will help you navigate the timeline and ensure everything proceeds smoothly. This process involves several stages and internal workflows, illustrating the collaborative nature of pioneer press jobs within a newspaper.
Proof Review: Ensuring Accuracy Before Print
Once you’ve submitted your obituary, the Pioneer Press will prepare a proof for your review.
- Proof via Fax or Email: Expect to receive a proof, usually via fax or email, before the obituary is published in the newspaper.
- Proof Details: The proof will include the obituary text, the scheduled publication dates, and the total price.
- Careful Review is Crucial: Review the proof meticulously for any errors in text, dates, or pricing.
- Timely Notification of Changes: Notify the Pioneer Press obituary desk of any necessary corrections or changes before the stated deadlines.
- Post-Publication Responsibility: The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors discovered after publication if they were present in the final proof that was approved. This emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and accuracy in the proofreading and editorial stages of pioneer press jobs.
Online Obituary Management: Digital Flexibility
Online obituaries offer some flexibility for post-publication adjustments.
- Online Changes via Obituary Desk: Changes to an online obituary after publication can be made by contacting the obituary desk. For any modifications needed online, call the obituary desk directly for assistance. This highlights the adaptability of pioneer press jobs in managing both print and digital content.
Payment Procedure: Securing Publication
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before they are published. Adhering to the payment procedure and deadlines is crucial to ensure your obituary appears as scheduled. Financial transactions and customer service are integral parts of pioneer press jobs in the business operations of the newspaper.
- Pre-Payment Requirement: Payment must be completed before the publication deadline.
- Call for Payment: After you receive and approve the proof, call 651-228-5263 to provide your payment information.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Credit Card (Phone Only): Credit card payments are accepted over the phone only, due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Check by Phone): Electronic Funds Transfer via check by phone is available. You will need to provide your routing number and account number.
- Cash (Front Counter): Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Rates: Understanding the Costs
Familiarize yourself with the rate structure for obituaries to understand the costs involved. Pricing structures and customer billing are components of the business side of pioneer press jobs.
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge is $162 for the first 10 lines of text.
- Cost Per Line After Minimum: Each line after the initial 10 lines is charged at $12.20.
- Minimum Rate Application: Even if the obituary is under 10 lines, the minimum rate of $162 applies.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: For a second day of publication, the rate is $8.20 per line, starting from the first line.
- Photo Charges: Each photo published costs $125 per day. For example, publishing two photos for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Example Cost Calculation:
- For a 20-line obituary on the first run date, the cost would be $164 (minimum $162 + $2.40 for 2 extra lines at $1.20 each – Note: Example in original text had a calculation error, corrected here based on rates provided. It should be $162 + (20-10) $12.20 = $162 + $122 = $284. However, the example provided in the original text says $164, which is incorrect based on the rates. I will keep the corrected calculation explanation but note the original text’s discrepancy – Correction: The example in the original text is also likely incorrect in its line calculation. It seems to imply $12.20 applies only after 10 lines in total, not per line after 10. If the first 10 lines are a fixed $162, and lines after are $12.20 each, then 20 lines would be $162 + (20-10)$12.20 = $284. If it meant lines over 10 are charged at $12.20, and the example is indeed supposed to be $164, then the per line charge after 10 lines should be $0.20, not $12.20. The original text’s rate explanation is unclear and potentially contains errors. For clarity and accuracy, I will assume the rate is $162 for up to 10 lines, and $12.20 for each line thereafter, as stated initially, and calculate accordingly. A 20 line obituary would then be $162 + (20-10)*$12.20 = $284).
- Always confirm the exact pricing with the Pioneer Press obituary desk when you submit your notice.
Deadlines: Ensuring Timely Publication
Meeting the deadlines is critical to have your obituary published on your desired date. Adherence to schedules and time management are crucial in the fast-paced environment of pioneer press jobs, especially in news publication.
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 4:30PM. Make changes by 5:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 4:30PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 1:30PM. Make changes by 2:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 1:30PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Must receive obituary content, payment, and final changes same day by 2:30PM | Must receive photo(s) by 2:30PM |
Note: These deadlines are strict and must be followed to guarantee publication on the requested day.
Memoriam (Non-Obituary) Requests: Alternative Announcements
In addition to obituaries, the Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam submissions, which are remembrances of a loved one that differ from traditional obituaries. This service expands the offerings of the Pioneer Press and requires different handling, showcasing the diversity of services within pioneer press jobs at a newspaper.
- Memoriam vs. Obituary: Memoriam submissions are remembrances rather than formal death announcements.
- Different Rates: Rates for memoriam submissions differ from obituary rates.
- Contact for Memoriam Information: For details on memoriam submissions, rates, and how to place them, call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
Contact Information and Hours: Getting in Touch
For any further questions or to submit your memoriam ad, use the following contact details:
- Memoriam Inquiries: [email protected] or call 651-228-5280.
- General Obituary Desk: 651-228-5263
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays).
By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively place an obituary in the Pioneer Press. Understanding this process not only helps in announcing the passing of a loved one but also provides a glimpse into the multifaceted operations and various pioneer press jobs that keep a local newspaper running and serving its community.
