It’s hard to believe that Friday (June 25) marks the one-year anniversary of the death of musical icon Michael Jackson.
Several networks are set to commemorate the day with new, original programming that takes a closer looks at the legacy of the “King Of Pop.”
BET will offer a full week’s worth of Michael Jackson programming, highlighted by a BET News series of on-air and online news briefs that look at Jackson’s remarkable life and career, as well as what has transpired since his death. Beginning June 25 and running through July 1, the briefs will include segments on Jackson’s musical legacy: the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death; Jackson’s siblings and his children, said the network.
The network’s June 27 BET Awards show will once again honor the memory of Michael Jackson with a “top secret” special tribute to Jackson’s life and musical career. Last year’s show, which was dedicated to the Jackson, drew a network record 10.6 million viewers.
“Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the horrible news of Michael’s passing,” said Stephen Hill President of Music Programming and Specials. “That people will mark the anniversary of his death is inevitable and given that, we want to provide the visuals and sounds through which to celebrate his amazing life. On the BET Awards, we will once again take time out to pay tribute through an amazing performance.”
On June 25, BET will also air a special 106 & Park dedicated exclusively to Michael Jackson’s memory.
TV Guide Network will feature two original specials on June 25, including Michael Jackson: His Family Dynasty which profiles intimate relationships with the members of his famous family; and Gone Too Soon, a documentary by filmmaker Ian Halperin that claims to provide an in-depth account of the final years of Michael Jackson’s life and the real causes of his untimely death.
Music network Fuse will debut two new specials on Friday: Michael Jackson: The Inside Story, a 90-minute documentary that look at Jackson’s life and conspiracies surrounding his mysterious death; and Michael Jackson: A Tribute, a one-hour documentary that will focus on Jackson’s charitable work as well as the world-wide influence of his music.
Cable networks will also run classic Michael Jackson programming throughout the week, including the 1992 tele-pic The Jacksons: An American Dream (BET and VH1), the 2003 Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary concert (TV One).
