Jackson, Fawcett Specials Score Big Ratings, ABC's Fawcett Special Wins

Broadcasting & Cable:

At 9, the ABC News 20/20 and NBC News Dateline specials both drew a 1.7 rating/5 share in the 18-49 demo. At 10 p.m., the CBS news Michael Jackson special drew a 1.9/6. Collectively, the three specials attracted 18.5 million total viewers, according to Nielsen fast nationals data.

At 10 p.m., the ABC News 20/20 special on Farrah Fawcett garnered the highest ratings for any tribute on the night, delivering a 2.3/7 in the demo. The NBC Dateline Fawcett special drew a 1.6/5. Combined the two specials drew 14 million total viewers.

Read the whole story: Broadcasting & Cable

Comments

[myoungholt]

Even in death we must compete for ratings....................................................

Good gawd !

[heartsick]

This is so asinine. Since when has such a statistic been relevant to anything? Our society is obssessed with race baiting. What other motive could there be?

[simplify]

The media will make a circus out of anything....

[simplify]

Didnt know it was a contest

[Charmed]

They are both dead and their families are mourning so why is the media starting up yet another controversy. Jeez, people need to get a grip. Everything is about ratings these days.

[harriettubman]

Yeah, for real. Two different celebs, two different genres.

[robXdion]

It's truly pathetic how people are turning these two deaths into a rac!al competition. Unbelievable.

[harriettubman]

Where'd you read that?

[robXdion]

uhh, the posters below you responded to clearly imply that. If you knew their past comments, you'd know what they were getting at.

[Alvin4NY]

The show on Farrah was a loving tribute-I just finished watching it. I was moved to tears by the things Jaclyn Smith had to say-good friends are what make life worthwhile. Ryan, I've always had my opinions on that relationship, however; people talked trash of Yoko and John forever and most never understood the attraction or endurance they went through to keep their love. Love is real for whoever is feeling it, and it's impossible for outsiders to know (and truthfully, none of our business) the why, how, or any of the day to day moments that make it stick and stay. I wish everybody peace, healing and growth from this experience of losing Farrah. Keep that legacy of love alive, and make her proud.

[AnnfromCA]

Interesting that her 20/20 special was more watched. I know I did. The whole MJ deal is a bit of a freak show, even in death.

[Passenger57]

I think the Fawcett show was more watched because the MJ coverage completely dominated hers - and will continue to do so.People wanted to hear more about her.
You could have probably turned on a cooking channel and heard about MJ.
Having said that, this isn't a horse race!

[DJ23]

You're a wonderful person.

[123dee]

We will miss you Farrah your talent and beauty will forever be remembered. We
are inspired by your courage, with bring domestic violence to the fore front
in the movie the Burning Bed, and now your brave and valiant fight with cancer.
Rest in peace

[neesy08]

More moral? She gave birth to a illegitimate child and lived with a man she was not married to. I do not consider that moral. I tink Farrah had some religious convictions, but that is not moral, having bastards and living with a man you are not married to.

That said, neither of them were saints. They both had their high's and lows in life. Either way, I hope they both RIP. Jacko can pt his demons behind him and Farrah her pain & suffering.

[harriettubman]

Morality surely had nothing to do with her death. I was more worried about Redmond's cycle of O'Neal addiction than his mother not getting married.

[silvatopp]

the apple never falls far from the tree!

[Gould123]

Farrah life was much more Moral than MJ. She was just as much, if not more loved! Sin is news!

[thankulord13]

Your just made that a Black man dying was bigger news than a White woman dying.

[trinity]

Both entertainers were HUMAN. They both had their share of sins, as all us humans have. Stop acting like Pat Robertson, passing judgement on people. I'm sure you have skeletons in your closet as well.

[the964kid]

I hate to burst your bubble but MJ impacted more people worldwide which is pretty obvious when you see the full worldwide 24/7 news coverage of MJ's death. That's not making any judgement about which celeb was the better person. I doubt you knew Farrah or MJ personally so who are you to judge either?

[silvatopp]

well said!

[harriscrl3]

And your comment is the most st u pid yet.

[kesiac]

It is very apparent you have less morals than either of them.

[Okieborn]

I feel Jackson is getting way to much attention!!
This proves that Farrah was the most loved and honored !!!

[donia1970]

..what you "feel" is not important...., and it doesn't "prove" anything - considering the Jackson news consumed all stations all day, so it could logically be said - that after all day media on MJ - people were more in tune to watch the Farrah special. MJ was far more loved - sorry!

The above is my opinion - now see how really important how you feel or I feel is important in the grand scheme of things...

[DJ23]

Well said.

[silvatopp]

I did not watch the Farrah special, what was so special about that?

[harriettubman]

Sorry but Farrah was no where in the same league as MJ. She was on CA for a year and it took years for her to come back. Then she made a few TV movies but that was it. MJ has sold over 750 million records, turned R&B & Pop into a different genre, won numerous awards, created mini movies instead of videos for his songs and was brilliantly talented.

Farrah's family and friends prepared the world for her death with her documentary and constant interviews. MJ's death was sudden.

[LynndaMaree]

Why are people arguing on who was most loved are most popular? They are both dead. Please let them rest in peace.

[the964kid]

Way to turn Farrah's death into a petty competition (in your mind).

[Passenger57]

Awesome!
Gore won the popular vote - that proves that Bush was more deserving of the presidency!
Wokka wokka wokka!

[grata2ude]

Ah Farrah your life and your valiant fight against cancer is on our minds too. When I think of my youth I will think of you. Rest in peace pretty lady. You earned your rest.

[Beantownbadboy]

You were a Special Lady and will be greatly missed.