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Michael Jackson coverage: Enough already
I understand that Michael Jackson was huge and the passing of a pop icon is a big deal, blah, blah, etc. But the coverage of this event in the news has become nothing short of sickening. It’s a media feeding frenzy, and it’s ridiculous.
I don’t care what you thought of the guy as an artist or about the controversies and his strangeness later in life, or the where-there’s-smoke-there’s-fire allegations of his conduct with children. I don’t want to get into all that. I frankly don’t care.
I just think that enough is enough. Michael Jackson is dead, and why does the story have to be covered 24/7 as if there’s nothing else in the world going on? Ostensibly, I know the answer to that is because it makes for good ratings on the 24-hour news networks. But I’m not sure I understand the ongoing fascination by the public, assuming that it actually exists. When I tune by CNN and they’re still talking about Michael Jackson, I immediately change the channel, because, really, what more is there to say? What more is there to this story beyond the fact that he’s dead? Sure, we can pick away at everything in the past and obsess over the legal issues and his will and his children and on and on. But why? Do people really want to know that badly? I don’t.
This just in: Michael Jackson is still dead. We’ll have an update on his status in just a few minutes, after a message from our sponsor.
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15 comments on this post
Nolan
Ugh, I completely agree. I’m reminded about the hoopla that was Anna Nicole Smiths death, and how, three months, /three months/ after the fact, there was a news story about her death. I find that ridiculous.
Jason K
Ya…anyone remember there’s a war going on. North Korea wants to launch nukes, Russia and the US want to reduce nukes, but oh….MJ is still dead and he’s having a FUNERAL!
TS
Haha, I was waiting for you to finally snap and write this one. Anna Nicole Smith all over again. “This just in. Michael Jackson… is still dead.” Enough already.
stallion
One thing I’m disgusted by is the cover of OK magazine of a dead Michael Jackson.
DJ
Indeed. This type of coverage *should* be given to health care reform, but alas.
stallion
He made Thriller.
trvbill
I understand what your saying. But you could say that about most things covered on 24 hour news networks. The guy’s been around for FORTY YEARS as a performer. I remember hearing i want u back in head start. Im 36 now. North Korea and Iran and the health care and the crappy economy will still be there when this is all said and done. Probably after the memorial.
heckler24
While I certainly understand, I am a Jackson fan. While Elvis Presley’s death was a little before my time, this is on that level. Jackson meant a lot to many people; he has touched the world through music with his incredible talent, a talent we may never see again in our lifetime.
Dimitris Kiminas
As I read Jammer’s this post, I see next to it in the (top) Google Ads window an Ad with a photo of a red jacket and “Remember Michael Jackson (1958-2009)” written under it. Doh! — or perhaps IDWID! 🙂
Eduardo
I tend to agree. The memorial is over, and it’s time to move on.
I loved Michael Jackson, and he certainly meant a lot to me. I keep listening to his tunes as I have been over the past 25 years.
But at the same time, feeding into the media frenzy only gives them ammo to continue this blatant exploitation. Sadly MJ isn’t the only story that can be used like this.
It’s not surprising I completely stopped watching news channels. I felt relieved when I first realized I’d dropped that nasty habit. It’s like quitting cigarettes.
Sarah
The Google ads do have a sense of humor. A post about too much Michael Jackson induces Google to make me buy…the Michael Jackson stripped mixes.
Meh. This is what 24-hour cable news does. They grab a single story, over-cover it until every ounce of interest is beaten into the ground, then move onto the next story which they will cover relentlessly until it is beaten into the ground. I’d rather it be Iran than Michael Jackson, but it’s not specifically a Michael Jackson or even entertainment news problem.
A lot of people are watching it. That’s why they’re doing it. If you don’ t like it, don’t watch. If enough people don’t watch, they will do something else. Much as people like to complain that there should be more “meaningful” news on cable news channels, they vote with their remotes for the dreck.
The only TV news program I watch on a regular basis is the PBS NewsHour. My diet of Michael Jackson has been pretty light. Take that for what you will.
Also, Billie Jean remains a damn good song.
Latex Zebra
Hang on a second.
Michael Jackson is dead…
When did that happen?
Latex Zebra
Oh and next time Jammer can you post a Spoiler warning.
Hammer
I love his music but enough is enough. Come to think about it, it could be worse. Another conspiracy theory about death of Diana, a story that has been done to death. At least with Michael Jackson it is accompanied by awesome music and videos. He he ouch.
joe
there is huge coverage because people care about him and his family. Plus he was perhaps the best musician of the last century. If people wouldn’t care there would be no coverage.