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With millions, if not billions, of fans around the world, it is no surprise that the memorial service held for the Michael Jackson on Tuesday July 7, was a massive ratings success. According to the Los Angeles Times, some analysts are calling it “a milestone for media integration as fans gathered around TV sets, computers and smartphones and traded information on Facebook and other social-media services.”
The Nielsen Company reports that some 31.1 million TV viewers watched the service, which lasted from around 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Although not exactly up there with the 100 million who watch the Super Bowl, and just missing the rating of Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral that had 33.2 million, Michael Jackson’s television ratings are only part of the milestone he has set.
Around 19 million people watched the service online from MSNBC.com, while another 10.5 million and 3.4 million watched online at CNN.com and foxnews.com, respectively. The only other time that more people had tuned into the internet like this was during President Obama’s inauguration.
Charles Buchwalter, a senior vice president at Nielsen Online, said in a company report, “While events like the Jackson memorial or the Obama inauguration are unique, the way consumers are multitasking between media is quickly becoming the norm. Even as recently as five years ago, the only choice for community was to gather around the TV screen with co-workers or friends for major events. Now there are three screens to choose from and, as our research shows, online activity actually reinforces TV viewing.”
The memorial even did well overseas as 6.5 million people watching Britain, with more watching in Germany, France, Brazil, and other countries as well.
I’m glad so many people watched. It was truly a beautiful memorial in my opinion. And seriously, when Paris Jackson spoke, my entire box of tissues disappeared.
Gallery Info: Photos from the Michael Jackson memorial service.
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