For many who grew up to his music, the news about his death came as a shock. Yet, the radio was as quick to jump into responding, with regular programming shifted and lifted, paving way for tribute programs for the late Michael Jackson.
103.5 KTU New York for instance spent the whole weekend playing nonstop Michael Jackson music. The station also invited listeners to share their memories of their favorite pop star by dialing a toll free number or by visiting their site.
98.7 Kiss FM also offered a similar weekend programming showcasing all Jackson music. They coupled this with a special event that took place at Harlem (Adam Clayton Power State Office).
Lite 101.9 of CBS Radio Baltimore, received a surge of calls after they lifted their regular morning shows and regular programs in favor of Jackson’s music. WWCD FM in Columbus instantly went to all Michael Jackson programming right when the news broke out.
Even online radio services, like Yahoo Music, AOL Radio, internet radio stations, not to mention YouTube, and a host of other multimedia platforms on the internet has moved to Michael Jackson tribute programming.
Sirius XM is also taking in special MJ shows in all its channels. Even its Heart & Soul channel went from mellow to upbeat programming.
Many people have found it as a massive media capitalization on the death of a pop star. But it’s an obvious proof, that fans from all ages unite in remembering the King of Pop.
