I've heard some commentary on the media that the Jackson story was one of the reasons cap and trade pass the House... people were distracted enough not to get too panicked by its implications of an extra $175 per household per year by 2020 for energy -- if we did "business as usual." Of course, there are many things families could do today to not only save $175 a year on energy starting now to avoid the carbon costs (which is the whole point of the legislation... encourage energy efficiency mechanisms to curb our energy use), but sadly, that is getting lost in all the coverage about Jackson.

All I keep hearing about is how the moonwalk changed entertainment history! Well, since the Nixon Administration, we've had presidents tell us about our need to get off of our Mideast oil addiction (except Reagan, who actually encouraged it when the Saudis dropped the price of oil in 1986), and this has been history in the making for almost four decades... and yet, people are mesmerized by the moonwalk over demanding solutions to our oil addiction and its devestation on our economy, military actions in the Mideast, and national security!

Where are you? Can't you get the inside information for us and report it in a factual, unbiased manner? No. We don't want to hear it, for the most part. And certainly we don't want it unbiased. Fox exists for that reason alone.

Curious. I have to strain to think of anyone from my high school years over 20 years ago who listened to Jackson music. I can't think of anyone I've known since who listens to it. I never hear it on the radio, even when searching stations. It is weird how people are interested in this.

The writer's point is well taken. Lots of coverage on less important things and little on key issues and events, here and from abroad. The media has become tabloid in nature, in part because they are selling to and competing for viewers and readers. Part of the blame goes to the media, and part of the blame goes to the empty-headed, voyeuer public.

too true! just look to these forums, there is a reason they run the same story lines over and over they now they will get hundreds of post which translates into advertising money. We should all stop being a part of the problem.

Nice letter, Corrina.

Outside of PBS, television is for entertainment only. News agencies are looking to increase their profits so of course they are going to pander to their audience.

I agree with the writer.

While I mourn for the loss of a great entertainer, my mourning is a hundred time greater over the deaths of several troops serving in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the coverage of Jackson's death is a hundred time greater.

Why are you blaming the media, there are plenty of outlets to choose from.
Ever heard of C-Span?
Oh that's right they put us to sleep!

Try NPR radio. Real news, all day. 88.3 or 90.1 fm.