Michael Jackson's Death to Lead Huge Surge in Magazine Sales

The sudden death of Michael Jackson on Thursday turned the publishing industry upside down.

Every major weekly in the news and entertainment space was faced with the decision to scrap their covers and quickly pull together a Michael Jackson cover and story to accompany the King of Pop's untimely death.

Time Magazine is the first magazine out with a special commemorative issue. According to a Time Magazine spokesperson, the special issue was put together in 36 hours and was released in-between two regular issues!

Newsweek's released its current issue with a Michael Jackson cover.

However, the two magazines will not be alone for long on the newsstand.

You can expect to see Michael Jackson's face on the cover of magazines for weeks and month's to come.

Here's why:

#1 Jackson's Sudden Death is One of the Biggest Stories Ever

This is the biggest news event in the entertainment space in many, many years. When it comes to the death of a cultural icon, this is no question this event will turn into the most significant entertainment news story of our time. Adding to the frenzy is the belief that Jackson will become even more famous in death than when he was alive, which is a pretty common phenomenon.

#2 Jackson is a Global Icon

The story is so huge because of Michael Jackson's global notoriety - both positive and negative. He's known everywhere and his death quickly turned into a global news story.

#3 The Mystery Deepens

We're also still learning all the details of the King of Pop's death while the final autopsy will not be released for four to six weeks. The mystery continues, which means readers will want to receive in depth follow-ups on the story for the foreseeable future.

#4 Magazines Shine with Historic News Events

This type of story is where magazines show why they have the advantage over TV, newspapers and online outlets. From a glossy cover to photo-driven features, consumers know they can turn to magazines for extensive, thoughtful feature stories that put Jackson's death in perspective in both words and pictures. You can also be certain that consumers will buy Michael Jackson magazines to keep as a collector's item for the rest of their lives.

Will All Magazines Featuring Michael Jackson See a Boost in Sales on the Newsstand?

Indeed, magazines will see record sales over the next few weeks. But, that doesn't mean all will see compatible increases in market share.

With such an incredible amount of magazines hitting newsstands, these covers will quickly look very similar.

A glance at Time and Newsweek demonstrates the most critical aspect in creating a compelling cover. When it comes to this story - especially in week one -- it's all about the cover photo.

Both Time and Newsweek lived up to the challenge.

Time Magazine selected a classic photo of Michael Jackson performing. He's happy and in his element. Did he ever find true happiness away from the spotlight? That's the question I'm left with when I saw this cover. What's your reaction to the Time Magazine cover? Sound off below!

CLICK HERE to see the full-sized image of Time Magazine

Newsweek selected a photo of Michael as a child. What's most captivating about this cover is the look in Michael's eyes. He looks focused, serious and thoughtful - all at the same time. He appears to be mature beyond his years and appears to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. This photo perfectly captures what many believe Jackson went through as a child-star. Did Newsweek pick the right photo? Sound off below!

CLICK HERE to see the full-sized image of Newsweek.

CLICK HERE to see the latest Michael Jackson commemorative issues.
How will the rest of the magazine's perform? Stay tuned and check out CoverAwards daily for Michael Jackson covers from around the world.

Follow Mark Pasetsky on Twitter: www.twitter.com/coverawards

Comments

[Marrymeplease]

I can not watch or read all this stuff about Michael Jackson. It is just to hard to deal with, I know death is a part of life, but to realize that Michael is gone, it's just tough. I know Michael was not perfect, he had his faults like we all do. I have not shed one tear, because I know once I do, I might not stop. He was the greatest entertainer ever, and he will be miss. I hope he knew how much his fans love and appreciated him. If I had five minutes with him, I would simply say to him, Thanks for all the joy you've given us. I will always remember the time and I'm never gonna say good-bye.The Lord makes no mistakes, so it was time for MJ to go home. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.

[YunekFlava]

Looks like black is the new green, thanks to Obama and Jackson.

[harriettubman]

This is nothing new. When Lucille Ball, Jackie Kennedy, Corretta King, etc. died there were commemorative issues.

[harriettubman]

Buy only from legitimate news sources too--People, Newsweek, Time, etc. Leave those lying British tabloids on the stand.

[mredder4]

Very tempted to use such magazines as a new source of toilet paper.

[apoyo]

Somehow I don't think so (re headline)

People don't have money. Who gave Michael Jackson a thought in the past years aside from his family?
I would rather have one of his CD's than a piece of paper.

[-0013]

In other news - Water is wet.

[Ohioan730]

Well there certainly weren't any newspapers left by the time I got to the store on June 26th. None. No local ones, no free publications, no NYC publications, no local suburban community papers--nothing. At 9:00am in the morning. They should just keep their ear to the wire on the MJ development and let every new revelation be a headline. The death of MJ could probably save newspapers, too. :D

[Diogenis]

As I gaze into my crystal ball I see that magazines, desperate to make a comeback, will exploit the death of Jackson.

[DaOne]

P.T. Barnum was right....

[sexyrexy]

well, after being treated some of sort of pariah in recent years.. when push comes to shove??

he proved to all.. people did care.. and whose the 'man'..

[MizLiz]

I just don't get it. Iran is being torn in two, things are happening that we need to know about. And what do the news programs do? Devote the whole time slot to a dead singer! Come on! This is way way out of proportion. And not more than a passing nod for Farrah Fawcett.

[cgracec]

He isn't JUST a dead singer. Millions - nay billions - of people all over the world listened to his music at some point in his decades-spanning career. He exported American culture all over the world. He was a humanitarian who contributed millions of dollars to important causes. I don't see why you are so shocked that people have an interest in him.

I don't understand why Farrah Fawcett deserves more than a "passing nod". I'm 21. The only thing I know about her is that she starred in like one season of Charlie's Angels, took a pic with a red swimsuit, and maybe won a couple of Emmy's for some tv movies, yes? Her death is sad but it's not like her death leaves a huge hole in the acting world.

[Diogenis]

oh, you're 21. no comment

[ediva75]

MizLiz there's not much we can do about Iran and their election and the resulting violence because of that. To you MJ is a "dead singer" but to myself and others he was a soundtrack to a portion of our lives from childhood to adulthood. So I am sorry if you don't feel the same way about him as others do. With Fawcett no disrespect but her passing we knew of to come because of her cancer. Her death is just as bad and horrible. I didn't grow up being enthralled by her I'm sorry I guess it is a generational thing. I was a child of the 80's during the Thriller days so sue me. She too has done a lot in her 62 yrs. But MJ impacted a lot of people's lives who received great joy watching him. His loss came just out of the blue (but sad enough was something to occur based on his current day circumstances). I am not sure if you have listened to the current crop of pop music (if you have young folks under 18s in your household) but to put it bluntly IT SUCKS BIGTIME!! MJ is the last of the great pop performers who held your attention with what he did musically and performance wise. Various people from all walks of life enjoyed what he offered to the world in his 4 decades he was known to the public. We will never have one like that again IN MY LIFETIME.

[CaptSmash]

Michael Jackson WHAT POWERFUL HUMAN BEING HE WAS! WE LOST A GREAT ONE THAT GAVE HIS ALL TO ALL OF US. WE WERE JUST TO BLIND TO SEE IT WHEN HE WAS ALIVE.

GOD BLESS YOU Michael Jackson AND MAY GOD ACCPEPT YOU INTO HIS LOVING ARMS.

[swan1]

He's richer dead than alive. This is so sad for all.

[hjo4]

I will not make TIME any wealthier by purchasing this "tribute" issue. It was the same media who printed the most scurrilous lies and stories about him, now they want to make money off the death of the man who demise they cheered on. The same holds true for Diane Diamond, Nancy Grace, Jane Velez Mitchell and Dan Abrams they all made money and enhanced their careers off of the lies they told on Mr.Jackson and by almost publicly praying for his downfall. If they had shame, they'd be ashamed.