Telecasting funerals

31st August 2018, the day many people went on the internet and paid their condolences to the renowned music artist Aretha Franklin. A live feed was telecast online as the singer’s loyal fans were in attendance along with their respects.

Telecasting funerals of such famous personalities is a common practice now considering the availability of technology and this method being used all around the world. Live streaming of funerals will eventually become a routine in our lives as efforts are being made to limit the coronavirus spread in today’s time.

Online streaming for family and friends

With coronavirus on the rise, the general advice to the public is that funerals should be made limited only to the deceased's immediate family members. Therefore, helping to avoid large crowds and eventually, the spread of the virus is vital. Social distancing is of immense importance in today's time, for the protection of those we love, funeral organizers as well as cemetery staff, who have played an essential role in this pandemic as stated by the government.

Though an online stream is reliable, it is not personal enough with the deceased. The technology being put to use is ultimately for our benefit, i.e., carrying out a social gathering without putting others' lives at risk.

Before the government imposed strict lock-down laws, the decision to stream the funeral of former Wales Rugby player, Matthew J Watkins online was taken by his family to decrease the number of people and to contain the spread of the deadly virus further.