MJ Media Coverage Costing Media $$$
6:05 PM July 1, 2009
All the rumors about the Michael Jackson funeral are costing media organizations real money, at a time when they can least afford to waste any.
Reports on CNN and TMZ that Jackson's body would be taken to Neverland for a viewing and/or ceremony set off a stampede to Santa Barbara County.
Reporters, photographers and satellite trucks rolled up the narrow road to the ranch and set up camp. Media crews booked rooms at area hotels, filling them to capacity.
Nobody wanted to be out of position if the rumors turned out to be true.
Even though the Jackson family never officially laid out a plan, TV stations began staffing for a huge event at Neverland.
Now we learn it probably won't happen. At least that's the latest report we're getting.
From the AP:
Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works for Jackson but wouldn't be held at Neverland. In addition, it appeared more likely that a funeral and burial would take place in Los Angeles, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
But the person, who is not authorized to speak for the family and requested anonymity, said nothing was planned for Neverland, at least through Friday.
The person said billionaire Thomas Barrack, who owns Neverland in a joint venture with Jackson, sought an exemption to bury the singer at the ranch. But the person says it's a complicated process and it couldn't be done for a burial this week.
"The family is aware a Neverland burial is not possible. They are expected to make decisions about whatever funeral and memorial service" will take place, the person said.
Now what happens to all the reporters and photographers up at Neverland? Are they coming back, or do you keep everyone up there until we know for sure?
One thing's for sure: already, a lot of money has been spent on MJ coverage. And most media organizations are now very busy cutting back on staff and expenses.
Posted by Eric Spillman | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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Sorry to hear of illness in your family, Paul. May your aunt be pain-free, surrounded with peace and love.
Regarding MJ: If Neverland becomes his final resting place then evolves into Graceland west, California wins. Think of the tax dollars that place could infuse into IOUCalifornia, not to mention what it will do for the Jackson estate.
Posted by: jozielee | July 03, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Jozie wrote:
"Too bad the family doesn't wait week or two until they can get a waiver to bury him at Neverland. If they don't bury him there they'll be awfully sorry later."
Gee, since I have been on death watch with my 92 year old aunt this past week, I wonder if I can get a waiver to bury her in the backyard of her valley home of 60+ years when the time comes? She was a singer and dancer on stage as well. Fair is fair, she was a star to us.
Posted by: Paul | July 03, 2009 at 05:13 AM
Too bad the family doesn't wait week or two until they can get a waiver to bury him at Neverland. If they don't bury him there they'll be awfully sorry later.
Posted by: jozielee | July 02, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Eric wrote:
"One thing's for sure: already, a lot of money has been spent on MJ coverage. And most media organizations are now very busy cutting back on staff and expenses."
Well, Eric. The media makes it choices to cover where and when. It's part of doing business. Will this cost people at KTLA and other media outlets their jobs down the road? Maybe. Only time will tell.
Posted by: Paul | July 02, 2009 at 03:45 AM