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Gawker’s coverage of Heath Ledger’s passing has included no less than 16 posts in the last 24 hours, just 3 shy of US Magazine’s 19 online posts on the subject in the same time frame. The posts have ranged from tabloidish in nature, to analyzing other media coverage including the “Grey Lady” (NY Times), determining who broke the story first, and a Heath Ledger’s Passing For Dummies post telling readers “what they need to know” about his death.

Gawker Heath Ledger

So it’s only fitting that we analyze and scrutinize their coverage. The posts are respectful in tone, and show a shock and admiration for the fellow who had recently been calling SoHo his home. You won’t find any “I can’t quit you” snipes there.

last pic of heath

["last" photo taken of Heath?]

Nonetheless, Gawker is stretching a little too far to “broaden” the pop-culture nature of their site. A simple handful of posts would have done, and quite frankly we don’t need the ABC’s of his death distilled for us. Next thing you know, Gawker will be holding our hands and wiping away our tears as we remotely mourn the next untimely passing of a young celebrity.

January 23, 2008  @  01:02:14 pm By J.J. HUNSECKER
Ha Ha Sound January 23, 2008 4:22pm

Yeah, it seems like overkill and of course it’s a tragedy that he died, but look on the bright side. 16 Gawker posts about anything other than Julia Allison means 16 posts without any mention of Julia Allison.

LisaBinDaCity January 23, 2008 4:38pm

Gawker may have not posted the “I can’t quit you” snipes but the commenters sure did!

OUCH.

guestofaguest January 23, 2008 7:47pm

All seems to be Quiet on the Western Front. There has only been 1 post on Heath since 11am…

quin January 24, 2008 9:35am

npr kept it a low key mention of every five minutes.

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