Hello class!! Our first day together was suprisingly more interesting than I thought. I really can not wait for these next weeks with each other, enhancing our skills in journalism and meeting wonderful people connected to this career. Professor Banisky has indeed given me the impression that she knows her stuff, so we should learn a lot.
I'm sure all of you have heard the shocking (and in some cases, unshocking) news of Michael Jackson's death. Media from all around the world has extensive coverage of the King of Pop's sudden passing and in a way, it is bringing the world together. From Russia to Africa and right here in the states, the secrets of Jackson and untold mysteries are trying to unveil with journalists digging deep. This may be one benefit: the world coming together, but there is one problem I can't seem to shake.
Most people are now more than ever starting to realize that Michael Jackson was not just the King of Pop, a Humanitarian, a strange character at times, and seemingly always in trouble with the law. He was also a father; blood or not. After watching the memorial service on live television for Jackson at the Staple's center in Los Angeles, I couldn't help but notice exactly how human Michael was to his family. I was brought to tears when his daughter Paris spoke about how her Daddy was the best father to her. The Washington Post.com felt that moment was "pure and private" and, "the truest thing of the whole show." I felt a strong sense of sympathy for her, just as I think most news shows like CNN Headline news felt. Most news anchors for that station are expressing their views on Michael's children with heartfelt feelings, and I find that very respectful. Nancy Grace is known for her "tough love" attitude when it comes to finding the facts, but after watching her show these last couple of days, I believe her sympathetic side is coming out.
My main question here is, "Does the world of journalism ever go too far when society wants closure?" I completely understand this is a higly controverstial and extremely talented celebrity we're talking about, but the man died and has a family going through a tough time. When will the closure of his death come to an end? My guess is two years from now, when most people have forgotten.
I guess if I try to answer my own question, I would say that the only reason reporters across the globe are covering Michael Jackson's death so in depth would be because he was just that important. Neither Farrah Fawcett nor Ed Mcmahan recieved as much coverage on their deaths, which occured in the same week (In Farrah Fawcett's case, she was pretty much washed out by MJ's death). Not to say these two television icons aren't important, because I strongly believe anyone on this earth has some sense of importancy. It's just that Michael Jackson had an important appeal to many more, which is why his magnetism to the media gives them the need to close his life for him.
Tell me what you think..
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I think that for such an iconic, legendary, and powerful musician and entrepreneur, the only fitting farewell to this Earth possible is a grand and audacious one. The King of Pop, it appears, will continue to reign supreme, even in death.
ReplyDeleteAlso, his record sales have been the best they've been in years recently. After his death, sales increased rapidly. Is dying a smart career move for a controversial artist, as various journalists have claimed?
That is a very good point, and unfotunately, it seems to be the truth. No matter what the sad case is, however, his talent will live on.
ReplyDeleteSorry for starting a totally different post, but I felt my topic would just be too random to make a comment off of yours. However, I am interested in what our country will do about foreign affairs, and I thank you for giving me another way of looking at the issues we as Americans should truly worry about. How the Obama administration handles those such things as the Iranian government are just another thing added to their list of things to do. I for one am starting to get worried about all the commotion going on with health care. What does are future hold when it comes to a solution in health care reform?
Surely it is unfair that Michael Jackson's untimely death should overshadow that of Farrah Fawcett. Farrah Fawcett's passing certainly deserved more attention than it received, especially considered the suffering the starlet experienced preceding it. However, it needs to be taken into consideration that, to many, Michael Jackson was more than a typical celebrity. The mainstream success that he achieved was viewed as a massive stride for the African-American community. His music was something that blacks and whites alike appreciated; it arguably united them. And for that, the public has mourned his death to a degree that they might mourn the death of a prominent civil rights leader or politician. Therefore, the media coverage surrounding Michael Jackson's death is not unwarranted.
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ReplyDeleteMichael Jackson was more than just a pop star. He was a global icon and arguably one of the most recognizable people in the world. Michael Jackson meant much more to people than just being a successful recording artist. His title as the "King of Pop" shows that he was loved and respected for his talents.
ReplyDeleteI think the media owed it to Michael Jackson and his family to provide such vast coverage on his death and the human side of Michael Jackson. In recent years, all that has been said is negativity toward Jackson. And although he may have seemed strange to many, he was loved by more and it is my thought that it is the respectful thing to do by having him leave this world on a more positive note.
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ReplyDeleteTo the millions who grew up religiously listening to Michael Jackson’s famous anthems “Thriller” and “Beat It”, his death was an unforeseen tragedy. While in the midst of planning what would have gone down in history as one of the most triumphant comebacks in pop culture to date, Michael suffered a fatal heart attack. As if the media attention he was receiving before his sudden death was not enough, his death redirected every magazine cover and headlining news story from that of any political crisis to a monumental moment in history. For numerous weeks following his death, nearly every television station was paying tribute to the late “King of Pop” by continuously playing all the videos that made him famous years ago. It is not everyday that an icon such as Jackson loses their life in such a tragic way, therefor the media seemed to have covered the story almost too much. As unfortunate as his death is, there are still other issues surfacing in our media that call for attention, such as what will become of our health care reform, as Shannon previously mentioned. This is not to say that Jackson’s death should have been in any way over looked, but instead to point out what seems to be a lack of balance within the media.
ReplyDeleteI’d love to hear all of your takes on this as well!
I agree with Andi. I think that Michael Jackson brought many innovated ideas to the world of music, as did Farrah Fawcett to the screen. However, I think that Michael's death has been publicized significantly more than Farrah's death. Since Michael's music has had an impact on so many fans from different backgrounds, people from every part of the world have been more affected by Michael's death than Farrah's death.
ReplyDeleteShannon,
ReplyDeletePutting your question in my own words, I feel that journalistic coverage of Jackson’s death holds its own standard when it comes to “when is it enough already?”. Jackson’s death stunned millions across the globe and all were absorbed with what the media had to report back to the audience. As Professor Banisky said in class today, it is the journalist’s responsibility to pass over to his audience every detail of a news story.
Although many claim they have been overloaded with seemingly repetitive information concerning Jackson’s tragic death, this historic event is a rich opportunity for journalists. As long as the journalist is passionate about the story he is working on, the audience will be subject to stimulating articles. These articles would not simply cover the actual time and place of Jackson’s death; a talented journalist would explore the possible causes of death and research the alleged individuals who could have played a role. Also, taking into consideration the world-wide memorial services dedicated to the “King of Pop,” it is highly doubtful that - for this particular situation- the audience would want closure. Jackson’s millions of fans view these special reports and magazine features as ways to keep his talented spirit alive. In addition to print-reports relating to Jackson’s death, nostalgic editions of “Dateline” and “20/20” were produced to celebrate Jackson’s life as a megastar. According to Nielsen Media Research, Jackson’s star-studded memorial service drew over 31 million viewers, which clearly shows that the world is not yet bored with news of Jackson’s death. In short, a journalist covering a particular event must keep his audience’s interests in mind. If a journalist is covering the death of the “King of Pop,” he is likely reporting on one of the biggest and most popular news stories of his lifetime. But, if the journalist goes too far with dull, retold news coverage, the subject could run dry.
Micheal Jackson was one of the most controversial characters on the face of the planet. He was a master at his craft, a great preformer, but seemed to be followed by trouble.
ReplyDeleteBetween the allegations of molestation to all the plastic surgery rumors, the man was gossiped about for decades. The truth in the matter is that the media tore him apart because it entertained the American people. The media coverage gave Americans a reason to feel better about their lives by showing how chaotic and troublesome Jackson's life was.
All in all, the coverage has gone way too far, before and after his death. I understand that he was a legend, but people need to let his family grieve his death without the flash of thousands of cameras following every step they take.
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think the media and and cover news has gone extremely to far on the mourning of pop icon Michael Jackson's death. I understand that Michael Jackson was a pop icon, a musical legend, and a humanitarian, however the man is deceasesd now and I think he deserevs to rest in peace. I truly feel that the media should focus on more important issues such as world hunger and impoverished people without and health care.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the press got a little out of control in reguard to Michael Jackson's death. Although, like Mike said, it seems only fitting that the death of the King of Pop should receive lots of press coverage, it is also sad to see that the greiving family, especially his children, are broadcasted on TV during this painful time for them. I think that the publicity of his death did help many everyday Americans come to terms with their idol's passing, but I just wonder what affect it had on his family, especially his children. I keep referring to his children because he always tried to shelter them from the media, and now that he is no longer their to "protect them" I wonder how they are coping with all of this attention?
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