Link (http://www.examiner.com/x-8357-DC-TV-Examiner~y2010m6d17-Networks-announce-Michael-Jackson-programming-for-June-25)

Multiple networks are loading up on special Michael Jackson programming to mark the one-year anniversary of his death on June 25.

MTV has several specials planned in his honor, including "Michael Jackson's Top 10 Video Countdown," set to air on June 25 and again the next day, as well as a two-hour block of Jackson videos on June 26.

The music channel will also run the one-hour special "Michael Jackson's Influence on Music," which spotlights artists that have been inspired by the King of Pop's songs, choreography and style, on June 25.

Meanwhile, MTV's sister network VH1 will air the five-hour 1992 telepic "The Jacksons: An American Dream," and E! Entertainment Television's June 25 schedule includes "E! True Hollywood Story: Michael Jackson," "E! Investigates: The Last Days of Michael Jackson" and the special "Michael Jackson," each one-hour long.

TV Guide Network, which recently acquired the documentary "Michael Jackson: Gone Too Soon," from Shine Intl., will air the two-hour film along with the specials "Michael Jackson's Entourage: Where Are They Now" and "Michael Jackson: His Family Dynasty," as well as a special edition of "Hollywood 411."

Music-themed cable network Fuse has two new MJ specials on deck, "Michael Jackson: The Inside Story" and "Michael Jackson: A Tribute," on June 25.

So far, ABC News is the lone network news division set to give up its June 25 primetime for Jackson. News magazine "20/20" will feature a new two-hour report chronicling the ongoing investigation into Jackson's death, as well as how his children are adjusting without their father.

The "20/20" special will also include interviews with Jackson's personal makeup artist, his stylists, and what the network calls a "new tour" of Neverland Ranch.

...considering the fact that ABC pre-empted some of its prime-time schedules for several nights to present "special reports" when Jackson died at this time last year (as well as nightly follow-ups on "NIGHTLINE", anchored by the man whom Jackson granted that notorious interview over a decade ago that led to his being hired by the network as one of that program's three rotating anchors, Martin "my tie does look funny, yes, but dammit, I'm a reporter!" Bashir). They were the most agressive of the major networks to "follow" the story [and generated the most ratings], so why shouldn't they do it again? Besides, "20/20" usually has two-hour editions on Fridays these days {best way to fill out a schedule for as little money as possible, claim the network's bean counters), so why not schedule something they KNOW will attract a huge audience again?


:rolleyes: