Why are news headlines written in present tense?

Question

For example I just read one that said, "Harvey Korman Dies...." Why don't they say, "died" or at least "has died?" that would at least make sense.

Answer 1

Interesting question. I've written lots of headlines, and it has crossed my mind.

I think that, at this point, it's a matter of tradition. Newspapers used to bring people the news first, so I think they were written as if they were just happening to grab attention. "Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor" "U.S. hits Hiroshima with A-Bomb." Makes it sound immediate. It would seem funny to read "Bush signed bill on Medicare."

The story is either past tense or past perfect, for the most part.

Answer 2

It makes sense to be consistent when writing and use the present tense (or past tense) througout the article. It doesn't matter which one you use. Just choose one and stick with it. The present tense is used most often because it is easier to convert all verbs to present tense.

Example: He dies. His family mourns. Funeral services are Friday. (see there? all present tense)

Another example: He died. His family mourns. Funeral services will be Friday. (Correct, but many writers like to stick with one tense for continuity)

Another Example: He died. His family was mourning. Funeral services have been set for Friday. (all past tense but present tense is still easier)