Michael Jackson - who got it right

[TowerLamp]

So how did corporate voice tracked radio fare with this breaking story yesterday.

My dial scan showed me that, amazingly, KUBE (Clear Channel) seemed to be on it best. Lots of Jocko's music back to back, Kiss doing a fair job, KRWM so-so and KQMV seemed, incredibly aloof, at least when I scanned the dial late afternoon. KIRO-FM's Ron and Don managed to bungle the topic by making it into a bit about racism as one of the dynamic duo drew an angry e-mail about a lack of empathy for Jackson's death. KOMO-AM/FM took listener calls.

What did you hear as this story broke?

 

[searadiofreak]

As someone who is more interested in how the media covered the story, than MJ himself...I will say Thursday afternoon was a fascinating look at how our media reacts. The first part of this saga was 2:30-3:00 PDT when the story was "Jackson rushed to hospital". That is what most reported. However, at the same time TMZ.com was reporting he had died. Some went on and correctly announced that "TMZ.com is reporting...", others would not until there was further (read, better) confirmation. Within the next hour, ABC and CNN reported "multiple sources" saying he had died. Then the floodgates opened. I find it interesting that TMZ was not trusted by many, and those who did mention TMZ's reporting, usually added that "we are looking for additional confirmation." Of course, TMZ was dead-on. Perhaps, because they are known to pay for information, many other broadcasters are wary to use them. An interesting argument, but they were first, and they were right.

 

[TakeItFromMe]

Lots of cowboys got it right. Saw KUBE, STAR and MOVIN on TV newscasts taking calls and playing Jackson hits. Saw K@A talking about the time they met Michael when he was here in the 1980's. For once the old guys had an advantage WOLF broke format and played some Michael which was a way to cowboy up to the moment ;D Ron and Don seemed out of line with saying he should have died in jail :-X I guess that is what they do and showed a big ole contrast to the cowboys at KOMO that just talk lots of calls and took the warm and fuzzy approach. I think Seattle radio did just fine. Most stations played Michael, some we wall to wall which probably wasn't too smart but fit the moment 8)

Morning shows really handled it well this morning when I spun the dial with lots of callers, Seattle memories. Damn this market did well in this cowboy's view ;D Got to wonder if PPM will punish JACK and KJR-FM mornings where no talent were there and no one for people to relate too ??? Syndicated shows on the AM dial stunk it up big-time with tape delayed crap that missed the boat so maybe local radio and local connections do matter

 

[d-ro]

well, I was listening to disc #1 of the 'Beatles Anthology 2' and my friend E.O.- eric olson, aka 'oly', phoned me up around 2:45pm and he said to me "did you hear Michael Jackson died?", and I said "what?", and then I turned on the cable news network on HD television, sure enough they had it on there. That's how I found out about it. After we finished out phone call I realized that I hadn't told him the death earlier in the day of the awesome leader of the Seeds, Sky Saxon. But yeah, 'oly' told me.

 

[leethalweapon]

I doubt it would effect stations like JACK, purely because in real terms it will be a short term blip. Give it a week or two for it to disappear from the news cycle and things should return to normal. I think the majority of people will tire very quickly of the focus. While it is tragic, it isn't going to dominate peoples thinking.

 

[SeattleObserver]

"T-Man" did a surprisingly tasteful show and also again claims he's going to let his contract run out and that the team filling in for the next few weeks will be the replacement.

 

[searadiofreak]

I doubt it would effect stations like JACK, purely because in real terms it will be a short term blip. Give it a week or two for it to disappear from the news cycle and things should return to normal. I think the majority of people will tire very quickly of the focus. While it is tragic, it isn't going to dominate peoples thinking.

I agree, there may be a backlash to all the media coverage, but that isn't going to stop the coverage. Especially since the toxicology report will take 4-6 weeks. That alone will keep the story alive. Beyond that, though, the cable nets know and understand that "special" events like this create viewership. OJ is the best example. Look for almost non-stop coverage for the next month atleast, and probably beyond. Not saying it is right, just the reality.

 

[Bongwater]

I found out from CNN as it was breaking...when I heard it was cardiac arrest, I knew it was probably over for Michael Jackson. Most people don't survive cardiac arrest.

It was a shock to hear the confirmed reports nevertheless. You thought this guy would be around forever (or at least as long as plastic surgery is still legal.)

The response on the radio in this area seemed kind of muted compared to NYC and LA where some stations switched to all Michael Jackson for the weekend.

On the level of celebrity deaths, Michael Jackson's DOES rank up there with Elvis.. His level of influence is about the same as Elvis. It's pretty odd how they both died under the same circumstances. Both died from lethal doses of prescription drugs, both were planning big comeback tours and both were having a lot of personal problems at the time of their deaths.

I didn't know what to think of Michael when he died, but now that the initial shock has worn off, in the end I guess perhaps he was a genius. They say genius is just one tiny step from complete insanity and believe me, he REALLY danced on THAT particular line.......

 

[AQH]

The response on the radio in this area seemed kind of muted compared to NYC and LA where some stations switched to all Michael Jackson for the weekend.

Which stations in New York and L.A. made the switch, Larry?

 

[Bongwater]

The response on the radio in this area seemed kind of muted compared to NYC and LA where some stations switched to all Michael Jackson for the weekend.

Which stations in New York and L.A. made the switch, Larry?

WCBS and KRTH I believe...are they still running it?

 

[dunno]

I hope the family gets it right and makes Neverland a tribute to MJ just as Graceland is for Elvis.

 

[AQH]

The response on the radio in this area seemed kind of muted compared to NYC and LA where some stations switched to all Michael Jackson for the weekend.

Which stations in New York and L.A. made the switch, Larry?

WCBS and KRTH I believe...are they still running it?

WCBS played a lot on Thursday, and one hour on Friday.

K-Earth went all Jackson Thursday afternoon to 10 a.m. on Friday, but that's it.

 

[SeattleObserver]

'KTU in New York City went all MJ all the time through the entire weekend. Their strategy seemed to be "PPM friendly" by pumping the familiar hits then throwing in album cuts periodically.

 

[skippertthomas]

...I take this break from planning my "Billy Mays Flashback Weekend" to put my two cents in...

....I only thing I worry, is that Pappa Jackson will make the memorial property into his gain.......Go back and see where Michael's problems began..... What a great talent that will not reap from his talent, but those that enhanced his problems, will reap from his talent.... Just my two cents....

 

[Bongwater]

...I take this break from planning my "Billy Mays Flashback Weekend" to put my two cents in...

....I only thing I worry, is that Pappa Jackson will make the memorial property into his gain.......Go back and see where Michael's problems began..... What a great talent that will not reap from his talent, but those that enhanced his problems, will reap from his talent.... Just my two cents....

It's something I've always dreaded - my own HISTORICAL family, profiting off of something they do not deserve......

Yes, I have always had problems with my own family. Which is why my kids only know their family from my WIFE's side. And I will KEEP it that way......