John Lennon Is Shot

When John Lennon was killed in 1980, millions of people around the world mourned the rock star and peace activist’s death. Mark David Chapman waited outside Lennon’s apartment and shot him on Dec. 8, 1980. Days later, over 100,000 people gathered in New York’s Central Park. People sang Beatles songs and lit candles to remember how his music touched their lives. The artist has been honored in many memorials and tributes since his death. For example, New York City’s “Strawberry Fields” memorial garden in Central Park pays tribute to Lennon.
If I were reporting the story of John Lennon’s death today in multimedia, I would allow viewers to comment on the story and share their emotions with one another. However, I would screen the comments first to make sure none were defamatory or made inaccurate statements about the event.

I would also feature a picture gallery of Lennon that would include photos from the day he was killed. Additionally, there would be a timeline detailing everything the singer did that day. The story would also ask viewers, ‘What Beatles or Lennon song has touched you the most, and why?’ Readers could write their answers or record audio explaining what Lennon songs have affected them. The rankings would be featured on the site, and viewers could listen to the songs.

I would also report any information about Mark David Chapman that would give readers a better idea of what Lennon’s killer is like. For example, Chapman has been described as delusional and psychotic. He was also obsessed with The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

The story would contain videos of Lennon from past interviews. I would include something like this to show what he was like, how he acted and what he believed in. The story would also feature a video or slide show displaying Lennon’s life story, from his youth in Liverpool until his last day in New York City. The video would be played to the song, “Imagine,” as this was Lennon’s most famous song. I would also develop a timeline of Lennon’s life. The story would also include a video of people singing to honor the artist in Central Park.

Finally, I would try to get an interview Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. I would also pursue interviews with former Beatles members: Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.