According to TMZ.com, pop-star Michael Jackson has passed away at age 50. The local news coverage is as follows:
**CONFIRMED** By LA Times, and NBC News: Michael Jackson IS dead at age 50.
WFOR: has still not reported that he has officially “died.” Still only saying that he is hospitalized.
WTVJ: is saying that, “although NBC has not been able to confirm this, the gossip website TMZ.com is reporting that Michael Jackson has passed away.”
UPDATE: WTVJ just ran a promo for their 7PM show, confirming his death. ON THE 7PM SHOW: They had a HD liveshot from NBC (or KNBC?) reporter Jinah Kim. They are also having their health reporter, to explain what sudden cardiac arrest is. Also explaining how “AED defibrillators” are the only way to save someone suffering from the cardiac arrest, with only 3-5 minutes to act. Saying: “WTVJ just installed them at the studio.”
WSVN: was first on Twitter to link to TMZ saying he was dead – haven’t seen any TV coverage about it.
UPDATE: 7 just had a “News Alert” to confirm. WSVN staying with breaking news past 7pm
WPLG: only reporting on the hospitalization.
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MSNBC quoting: LA Times, saying that he is in a coma… Not dead.
Today Show’s Twitter: cites TMZ in saying Michael Jackson has died.
NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, and ABC’s World News: Reports that Michael Jackson IS dead.
NO cable news station has quoted nor cited TMZ. (Update:) However, they have now been able to confirm via NBC News and LA Time sources.
CNN Reports: Michael Jackson is in a coma. Now reports death as well.
With the Internet, and websites like Twitter – Even TV news seems dated… Not to mention print newspapers? HA!
LAST UPDATED: 7:07 P.M. 6/25/09
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