News decisions in 2008 *

Three newsworthy deaths today: Dr. Michael DeBakey, Tony Snow and Bobby Murcer. The Los Angeles Times website lede says of DeBakey, "preeminent cardiac surgeon saved millions with his breakthroughs." The LAT calls Snow "former White House press secretary." Certainly different legacies, but one was on TV a lot. Here's who gets top of page play in the Times:

There's a another large video window devoted to Snow just below the fold. DeBakey's mention comes at the very bottom of the page, below all the other news and feature listings, teasers to blogs and the photo of a bikini babe in MetroMix.

The New York Times doesn't lead its site with either death, but does put them in the upper news spot. Here's how NYT editors rank the news value:

Fox, of course, leads with a tribute to its guy Snow. CNN gives both one line, with Snow above. MSNBC goes with Snow high too, then Murcer, with no mention of DeBakey until the Health section low on the page.

* In the print paper: The LAT goes with DeBakey large on the front page, Snow back on the obits page with a small teaser on th front.