Networks Already Planning Michael Jackson Memoriam Specials

It’s not to be insensitive to the families who lost a loved one when Ed McMahon and Farah Fawcett passed this week, but the passing of Michael Jackson from cardiac arrest is certainly a far more impactful tragedy. I’m not innocent of making fun of Jackson in recent years, the guy just kept asking for it with his antics. But it’s a testament to the power of what the man did throughout his career that despite all of the problems his personal life has had we still love and respect what he’s done for music and dancing.

I was at work when I heard about Jackson’s death, and immediately we all discussed how long it would be until the networks scheduled memorials. Right now NBC, CBS and ABC are reworking their primetime schedules to do just that. Of course the standard news shows will have coverage, but 20/20 will air a special episode titled “The Life and Death of Michael Jackson” this Friday evening at 9pm ET. Ann Curry and Meredith Vieira will anchor a special Dateline devoted to Jackson and Fawcett for NBC. CBS is also in the works to air a special news broadcast titled “The Life and Death of Michael Jackson.”

How long until a star studded benefit concert is put together in honor of Jackson? I’d say there’s a good chance it’ll happen within a month, or at least be planned and ready to go. Jackson inspired so many artists that followed him, and it would be fitting for the man who struggled so much to accept himself while continually trying to help others less fortunate to be honored in such a way.