A late-night call puts AP ahead on reporting news of Quincy Jones’ death

By Andrew Dalton and Hillel Italie

AP broke the news on the death of one of the most influential musical figures of the 20^th century, Quincy Jones, in part because of the connections that entertainment writer Andrew Dalton had built over the years.  

Jones’ publicist called Dalton late on Sunday night to alert him to Jones’ death. Dalton has worked with the publicist on a variety of stories, and the early word allowed him and AP to break the news ahead of other major news organizations. 

Dalton worked off preparatory material by national writer Hillel Italie through the early morning hours to make sure it all rolled out smoothly, including an abridged version. The alert and complete story moved well ahead of other outlets, securing AP a clear beat in overseas markets and ensuring that US newsrooms and audiences woke up to a complete package on Jones’ death.

Italie’s strong prep ensured AP had a definitive account of Jones’ life and impact.

Dalton broke a second newsbreak about Jones a week later when he was informed about the producer’s private memorial. 

The judges were impressed by the quality reporting and the authoritative prep that delivered so much value to audiences even when much of the country was focused on AP’s simultaneous, company-wide efforts to report the results of the national election. 

For building sources and amassing the detailed preparation needed to be first and most complete to report on the passing of a cultural figure whose work influenced and enriched generations of music lovers, Dalton and Italie earn this week’s Best of the AP — Second Winner.

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