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Monday, June 29, 2009

Michael Jackson coverage
Michael Jackson performs before a sold out crowd for his Bad tour at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in 1988. (AP Photo/Alan Greth, file)

The cable TV and networks devoted almost around-the-clock coverage the last few days to the death of pop star Michael Jackson. Even some prime time shows were preempted in order rehash Jackson's life and demise. By day two or three, it was clear there wasn't much "new" news to report. But that hasn't stopped TV from showing and re-showing video clips of Jackson, while recycling interviews with friends, associates and so-called experts to comment on his life and death. Look for the Jackson coverage to go on and on, especially as the summer news cycle slows.

Granted, Jackson was a major star with global reach. His death at age 50 was a surprising end to an interesting and colorful life, marked with some odd twists and turns. Jackson's death deserved proper and full coverage. But the blanket TV repetition for days on end has done little to advance the story and underscores how little substance exists when it comes to TV news, especially the cable networks that have lots of time to kill and not much of value to say. Though that doesn't stop many TV talking heads from prattling on.

A column in the Los Angeles Times asks if the TV coverage is too much. For anyone who has been watching TV the last few days, the answer is pretty clear.

 
Posted by Paul Davies @ 1:23 PM  Permalink | 3 comments
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:44 PM, 06/29/2009
    "Sic transit gloria mundi" In ten years, the name Michael Jackson will have joined the ranks of the forgotten. He was already headed that way before his demise. This media blast is nothing but scavengers picking at the poor man's bones.
    — DonQ


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