ThothLestat's Vampire Journal

ThothLestat's Journal

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SHOOT YOUR TV
23:47 Jun 30 2009
Times Read: 799

And now, a word from the corporate advertising guy:

Not only was Michael Jackson's untimely death a popular topic of conversation, Twitter chatter, and blog posts... it was a ratings boon for CNN.

From my anonymous sources deep underground, comes this hot-sheet detailing the viewership of cable news following the death of MJ:

" Coverage of Michael Jackson’s death, airing from 6p on, drove CNN to win primetime ratings among cable news.

Averaging 1.8 million 25-54(age) viewers and 3.9 million total viewers in Prime, CNN held a +30% advantage over Fox News and +162% advantage over MSNBC among total viewers."

Yes. Death sells.

CNN can barely contain their collective glee.

I'll say it again:

Shoot your TV.

Have a nice day.

COMMENTS

Morrigon
00:16 Jul 01 2009

CNN is evil. Spend enough time in airports and there will be not a doubt in your mind.

Nedra
15:03 Jul 01 2009

If I were famous I would be worried.....CNN may try to off someone to make sure that their ratings stay on top. ...... I vote for Paris Hilton

ThothLestat
15:41 Jul 01 2009

It helps to explain why ALL the networks run so much non-stop coverage of events like this. sure, it's sensational and people are going to tune in, but it wasn't the ONLY reason to watch the news. Keep in mind, MJ's death occurred during dismal economic news and during political unrest in Iran. That, to me, is the bigger story. Neda who?

I digress...

I find it depressing that MJ's death was such a BIG story and with very few actual facts to go on, the major networks ran MJ videos and speculated about his death. Over and over and over. This isn't news, it's a form of morbid fetishism.

The above stats came from an internal memo from CNN's marketing department. Only people in marketing would put the words "death" and "win" in the same sentence.

Let that sink in for a few minutes.

CNN was slow to cover the protests in Iran, but reacted pretty quickly with the news of MJ's death.

And while the world turns a blind eye toward Iran, the Mullahs are quietly executing protestors.