seattlepi.com Buzzworthy: The 'ick factor'

April 12, 2005

The 'ick factor'

Yes, even the salacious tabloids have standards. Or, at least, their readers do. That's among the reasons why so many media organizations -- print, broadcast, even online -- have backed off from the usual breathless, in-depth coverage of the Michael Jackson trial, according to the Los Angeles Times:

As the trial in Santa Maria has become more graphic — particularly in the last week, when a former security guard testified in detail about a sexual act he claimed to have seen Jackson perform on a naked 10-year-old boy more than a decade ago — what some have called the story's "ick factor" has lowered the appetite of listeners, viewers and readers nationwide.
The notion that the Jackson case has become too salacious to maintain spirited interest is echoed in interviews with television journalists, talk radio hosts and programmers, and editors of celebrity-driven weekly magazines. This is not to say that there is demonstrably less trial coverage — there is still a large contingent of domestic and international media present at the courthouse — only that the appetite for the particulars seems to be somewhat muted.

Category: Zeitgeist watch
Posted by Brian Chin at April 12, 2005 11:11 AM

Comments

I'd just like to say that I believe Michael is innocent and that the parents of these accusers are out for money. As far as the young man who says he was molested a decade ago is also out for money seeing how he can't get his story straight. Being molested isn't something you just forget no matter how old you are those details willalways be in the back of your mind. I know that from experience. So I support michael Jackson 100% and I hope he is proven innocent.

Posted by: Rose at April 12, 2005 05:10 PM

Michael Jackson is guilty as sin. He is a pedophile, which in my opinion, is very close to murder. America needs to wake up to the evil that exists in our society. Just because a man can sing well, or is a good athlete, does not mean that he cannot do evil. He is the devil personified

You cannot blame the parents for Michael's behavior. You can only blame Michael sicko Jackson. And you cannot blame the parents for taking a cash settlement, or seeking one. It is humiliating to a young man to be molested. Worst for many, is when a man molests them and they are not gay. Look at the fear in McCauley Caulkin's eyes.

As an African American I am saddened that many leaders are defending Michael. After all he has done everything in his power to deny that he is an African American. That black boy turned himself into a White woman.

We all should be ashamed and embarrassed

Posted by: val at April 12, 2005 06:06 PM

Jackson is a deusche, should be taken before the family, shot and burned alive. I am not saying this in retaliation to the latest news; I just can’t stand anyone as grotesque as him. He's dirty and should be killed to rid the world of this unworthy media attention so that we can focus on REAL problems like this damn war and the REAL men that are over there dieing, get a life Jackson fans.

Posted by: Jackson at April 12, 2005 06:55 PM

My prayers go out to micheal,and the lil guy thats been put up to lie on him.It's all about money.Why dont these people get a job and stop trying to destroy micheals inheritance.It;s his and he worked for it.Even if he's found guilty.It better to forgive and let god be in control of this case.God is the only judge.god bless.

Posted by: latasha at April 12, 2005 09:44 PM


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