I – The KOP
No, don’t get ahead of yourselves Liverpuldians. I was referring to a different KOP.
& 
KOP KOP!? GOOD COP?! BAD COP!?!
The King of Pop. He looked so young.
He’s been on the news so often recently that one must really be under a rock to be totally oblivious to what has been going on. Well for those who do live under one (how are you online now anyway?), Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Holmby Hills Los Angeles, California on June 25, 2009. He was treated by paramedics at the scene, but was pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Rest In Peace.
His death led to a crazy rush of information flooding the internet, a simple search for “Michael Jackson Death” will get you almost 2000 different sources. I was skeptical when I first heard the news too. Communication from the psychological perspective is the encoding and decoding of messages, and from the message passed on to me, I decoded it as another publicity stunt by advertisers to boost their television ratings. Miscommunication have occured here because of the mental set the receiver (me) perceives. One moment I was told that Michael Jackson was going to make a comeback tour and the next thing I knew, I woke up blurry eyed and was told that the man was dead. Being distracted by a competing internal stimuli have caused this miscommunication.
Never in Neverland.
After that, media coverage of Michael Jackson surged. For a man whose last media “news” was in 2006 about his closure of Neverland Ranch due to financial problems, one would question the true intentions of the media. Tributes by other entertainers also started pouring in, most of whom have been faded to the back alleys of the entertainment industry. The Game a rapper debuted a tribute song – Better On The Other Side, on the day of Michael’s death, featuring vocals by other artistes such as Diddy, Chris Brown, Polow da Don, Mario Winans, Usher, Boyz II Men. Rapper LL Cool J wrote and recorded a song Billie Jean Dream. Rapper Akon did Cry Out Of Joy.
Kairos (καιρός) an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment).
Call me skeptic, but I believe that these “friends“ done the tributes knowing that they will gain public attention and maybe even use Michael’s death as a publicity platform.
What say you? Has there been too much media coverage of Michael Jackson death? Are people just making use of the opportune occasion to deliver their message?
Sources: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/06/entertainment/michaeljackson/main5137779.shtml
very informative informationn about Michael Jackson
he will be missed but not sinserely by enough who hated him before hand but love him cause of his death
Damian
September 8, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Exactly my point! People only “realise” his existence at his death. (no pun intended.)
Aloysius
October 24, 2009 at 5:18 pm
very informative and funny
“KOP KOP!? BAD COP!?!”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
DAWN!
September 8, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Not a big fan of MJ but i do agree the media spotlight on his death has been too much. There were still programs about his life a month after his death. I do think that real tributes are from the heart, not some fancy song or video.
Joshua
September 8, 2009 at 7:48 pm
A very insightful post indeed which brings a fresh dimension to a seemingly straightforward situation.
First and foremost, you should examine the purpose of the media. It’s chief purpose, according to media ethics (as in the Reuters Handbook and Herbert Gans), is to inform in a way that is responsible to the general public.
Taking your definition of ‘media’ as the print and broadcast reporting, I personally feel that the media has not sensationalized the issue. Rather, it should be the entertainment industry which should not fall under ‘media’ but rather, ‘entertainment’. The media merely reported facts and verified claims. The air time and article sizes are to be expected for a person of Michael Jackson’s fame and popularity. With such celebrity status, people would and have the right to know.
Bravo to your questioning of the intentions of his “friends”. It shows your skepticism about the issue and i believe this is indeed true to a certain but indeterminable extent.
Good article!
cornyyy
September 8, 2009 at 7:55 pm
I apologise for being a little short sighted there. Yeah, you’re right, it’s the entertainment industry that have sensationalised the issue, but you have to agree that the print and broadcasting media also have benefited (readership etc) from his death through their wide coverage of his death.
Aloysius
October 24, 2009 at 5:25 pm
this is the classic case of not treasuring one when one’s alive. oh well. god bless him.
jerio
September 8, 2009 at 8:11 pm
He IS the king of pop after all. He single-handedly started the overhaul of the old music scene. All subsequent media attention has made me a little dizzy I admit, but nothing he doesn’t deserve.
But naturally, some people with malicious intent choose to hide behind the smokescreen the Internet provides and shamelessly use the fame of the man to propagate their ideals and opinions.
Now that MJ’s really buried though, I’m sure attention will die down soon enough. I say we take only the good memories with us, and may he R.I.P.
Jun Long
September 8, 2009 at 8:18 pm
yes man i totally agree with you that it might be a platform to gain publicity but don’t you think u have judge these “friends” a little too fast? just exactly how much have you research about these people such these tributes could purely be just tributes. the world needs a little light amid the darkness and so does your post. Apart from this your scope on this matter is quite narrow where it is totally research upon entertainers shouldn’t a the king of pop have more people of different fields trying to gain public attention? However i do applaud to the fact that you made your opinions known as well as that you made it personal
shawnn
September 8, 2009 at 8:25 pm
You have brought out exactly my point, it isn’t only the entertainers that have exploited his death.
Aloysius
September 13, 2009 at 5:27 pm
the media will use anything to make money. they dont care. they have no heart.
Samuel
September 8, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Rather informative and indeed, it’s a pity that he’s gone. Definitely he’s the KOP. (:
ql
September 8, 2009 at 8:32 pm
As a person who was in love with Michael Jackson, I think indeed there was a HUGE NEWS for all of us who like him.. Not only in the news, even FACEBOOK was so HOT about it.. (ryte?)
For me, personally speaking, I think it was OK when people started to appreciate him again as a KING OF POP and a TRUE yet INFLUENTIAL singer, but if we see it after some period of time, I feel like he was exposed too much.. Like everywhere put his songs, none of the CD place did not do so ryte??
As a communication student, I think media had and even has the OPPORTUNITY to keep talking about MJ since everyone sees him differently these days, as the SINGER and KING OF POP, not just like some period before.
Media just need to make sure the NEWS are interesting and people wanna take a look at that.. But somehow and sooner or later the MEDIA needs to move on, isn’t it??
But MJ..He is always gonna be a KING OF POP..I will definitely will tell my children about him..
s.gunawan
September 8, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Time to move on!
Aloysius
September 13, 2009 at 5:32 pm
It’s important that an individual dubbed the KOP’s death was given as much attention as he was given by the world media. Pity the truth will remain dead forever.
PLee
September 8, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Perhaps it’s true to an extent that that is simply too much media coverage on MJ’s death and that some people are actually just using his death as a publicity platform. But we must never forget that communication is a two-way interaction.
Michael Jackson is, like you have said, the King of Pop. Many might be complaining now that there is too much media coverage. But what do you think would happen if there wasn’t as much media coverage? It would then be the fans’ turn to complain. They want to know everything about their idol, their god and they feel that they deserve to know everything. As such, they welcome as much media coverage as possible. The media is simply doing their job, answering the demands of the fans. The media will never cover much about something that is not attractive to the public.
And about the your criticism on the “friends”, I think maybe you have judged them too fast. Notice that the people that you have named, releasing new songs upon MJ’s death: Diddy, Chris Brown, Polow da Don, Mario Winans, Usher, Boyz II Men, LL Cool J, Akon and The Game. For some of them, their careers are at their peaks and if you realize, they are all Africans Americans. The African American community is actually quite close-knitted, much like our Malay community in Singapore. It really isn’t much of a big deal that these people would made tribute songs in MJ’s name. After all, no matter how white he looked, deep down he was still an African American.
These are just my two-cents-worth. Personally, I think there isn’t any right or wrong, there is some true in all our opinions. But great job with the article. And thanks for pointing out that the coverage on MJ’s death is simply exaggerating. Sheez, both the media and the fans really need to give it a rest already, just let the poor man rest in peace……
Ying Jie
September 8, 2009 at 9:19 pm
It was only coincidence that all the entertainers I have named are African Americans. There’s also James Morrison etc.
The number of MJ covers done by people have also shot up during this period. Just go make a quick search on youtube for “Michael Jackson cover”. I still think people are in it for their 5mins of fame rather than a tribute.
Thanks for commenting!
Aloysius
September 13, 2009 at 5:47 pm
MJ’s death will be recorded down as one of the most famed deaths in history, leveling up to the league of princess diana and mother theresa.
Being the King of Pop, it is natural that his sudden dismissal will lead to major coverage by the media, snatching to get the latest news and information. I feel that more evidence has to be sort after before arrival with the conclusion that these people who have sang songs and gave tribute to him are on the intention of gaining public attention. maybe some of them did have the heart to pay respect to this known legend.
I feel that this is but another inevitable act that the media has done: to inform, but also baring in mind their attention to grab as many audiences as well. ending up with the information, and together with a fair share of “entertainment” news which only seeks to grab attention and nothing else.
Maybe it will be more interesting to write about his family’s reaction and how they started arguing about the distribution of MJ’s possessions.
but I applaud you for your skepticism and personal voice in this whole matter.
ellustrate
September 8, 2009 at 9:24 pm
MJ being MJ, the King of Pop. It goes without saying that whatever happenings in his life will definitely bring forth an extensive media coverage of all sorts all around the globe.
What’s least expected is the breaking news of his sudden death, that stunt the world. Images and thoughts, running through people’s mind. Many mourned his death, many more leveraged on this opportune moment to earn some quick bucks.
For me, the world does not revolve around 1 person, so I would say, let’s move on…
Donn
September 8, 2009 at 9:32 pm
miscommunication do and always will happen. the media is so globalised now than ever you can never really trust what the media is telling you. well i’m not saying that MJ’s death is just another attempt to get news going round. another point is, do people really know what they are becoming a fan of? days after MJ dies you can see people all over the world starting to miss him dearly, just look at facebook, people start to become “fans” of MJ. are they in love with MJ himself? a dead man? MJ’s legacy? or just following mainstream fashion-to cry over a “king’s” death? maybe that’s what human beings do, the inability to cherish things/people until we lose them.
clown
September 8, 2009 at 10:58 pm
This is a very engaging blog with a variety of pictures to illustrate your point. i am also impressed that you have linked such a current and controversial issue abt MJ death to this topic on Communications! I think his death is a good example to show the Psychological perspective in relation with the Communication model.
I strongly agree that his death is way too publicised. He has been such a famous man when he was alive. Can’t he at least be given more peace when he’s dead? With everyone still so eager to investigate the cause of his death, his soul is definitly still left uneased.
kelly0831
September 9, 2009 at 9:59 pm
i completely agree that people are using MJ even after his death. Look had how famous his personal cook has become. All of a sudden people are interested in what MJ ate daily and what his last meal was. She’s been in countless of interviews and is even planning on releasing a cook book. His doctor is also in the spotlight with the public interested in what kinds of medication he was on. Call me a skeptic but i think in death, MJ has finally found some peace in his life.
Jun Leong
September 9, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Like Elvis, MJ is probably up in the swiss mountain resorts, living out his remaining days with all that money he just made with the latest publicity stunt… (haha, naw i’m just kidding).
Just like to point out that poor MJ has been under attack by the media for decades for the sake of their own interest, they generated controversy, rumors and gossips against a man who was probably naive but had good intentions. All this negativity would drive anyone into a downward spiral, as in the case for MJ, it was almost a vicious cycle, all the negativity generated by the media was feeding his eccentricity, which in turn generates more negativity for the media to exploit. What mattered to the media was to capture and expand their viewership and subscriber base due to capitalistic interest. MJ himself was too nice of an idealist to even defend himself. But could you blame him? Most people, being put in his shoes, would falter as well.
RIP MJ
Daniel
September 11, 2009 at 8:30 pm
The media will milk the death of Michael Jackson for what it’s worth. Think of Princess Diana, it’s been 12 years and yet British tabloids won’t let her rest in peace.
It’s sad because people won’t get over issues like who is the biological father of his kids, is there more mystery to his death, etc. etc.
As cliche as it sounds, the rest of the world should ‘think of the children’ and just get off his case and let him rest in peace after death!!
Undoubtedly a King in his own right, no one will dispute that at least.
Nina Reyes
September 12, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Mj’s death was one too sudden. And I totally agree with the fact that his ‘friends’ are indirectly using his death to gain fame.
lynlynlyn
September 13, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I don’t actually agree that the media has done ‘too much’ coverage of his death. I’m not much of a Michael Jackson fan, but I guess giving a little more attention to this talented man due to his death is the last thing they can do to pay tribute to him, and also give others who may be curious individuals a little insight to who he really is–and let them form their own impressions of him.
However, I agree to your point that there are some who will always take advantage of a situation, whatever the situation may be, to assert their own point of view or to build up themselves.
Great write up! Got some new information regarding events that occurred after his death!
:]
Audrey J Low
September 13, 2009 at 9:07 pm
I think the coverage that followed up to him was well suited for the man who rocked the world.
I noticed that some people are saying his friends are using their talents to publicize themselves but I believe that most of them are genuinely saddened by his death like most of us and I am sure people like Usher and other artists were close to him. So the least they can do is perform what they do best.
I don’t think highly of the people who accused of his daughter acting when she gave the speech.
namka13
September 13, 2009 at 10:56 pm
This brings to mind Entertainment Tonight’s coverage of MJ’s death. It’s one thing to cover the story and the possibility of mispractice on the physician’s side, but to sensationalize someone’s death such that it becomes entertainment, like a real life Days Of Our Lives, is disgusting. ET did the same thing with Anna Nicole Smith and John Travolta’s son. The attention and the tributes are appropriate, maybe insufficient for a legend like him, but that would be more appropriate in celebrsting his life. Such topics like the death of a person are sensitive, and to “whore” the situation out in order to get ratings is despicable.
Chander
September 14, 2009 at 1:55 am
Hey, interesting that you brought up the point that the media might have over-publicised MJ’s death. But i suppose that it can be forgiven, due to MJ’s crazily massive popularity.
ckoh90
September 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I think that there really is a handful of people out there exploiting the death for personal greed.
I’m not sure about his ‘friends’, but I’m pretty sure there are organizations out there feeding on the frenzy. There was a surge of album sales going on a while back, and you’ve got to say, these albums are pretty much the same! What they’ve done was to squeeze every bit of song MJ had, recycle it, and make it look new.
If I’m not wrong, I think they were even selling off some rights to MJ’s stuff. Can’t remember what it was though. But news on MJ after his death has been often marred with legal and money issues. How sad!
chervinlam
September 17, 2009 at 11:09 pm
There was no news of MJ for a pretty long time period and was stunned when reports of his death appeared. Only then i knew he was preparing for a comeback. Yes, i do agree that people are opportunist, taking any chances when opportunity arises. Why do television channels show videos of MJ only after his passing? Is it really just only to pay tributes to him? It is something we have to think about.
Henry
September 19, 2009 at 2:26 pm
People are often profit driven, pity.
Aloysius
November 8, 2009 at 9:02 pm
First and foremost, i’m not a MJ fan. I can understand the fact that he’s the King of Pop, Man in the mirror or whatsoever. Yes, it is indeed saddening for his fans when they realised that he’s not in this world doing all the moonwalk and stuff. My point is, fans should probably learn how to forget and not be deeply obsessed over a dead man. It is not as though he will recognise or appreciate it. So what’s the point? Next, the media is just like a ‘hypocrite’, publishing all the trash of MJ whenever there is one and on the hand, making MJ a cult hero when he’s dead. This is ridiculous.
Randy
September 30, 2009 at 7:41 pm