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July 9, 2009
Sound Off: Your comments 7/8/09
Posted: 07:18 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: Wednesday night’s AC360° feedback was largely about the coverage of Michael Jackson. Many of you think that enough time has been spent on Jackson and that it’s time to focus on other world news. Here’s a sampling of your comments, and we’d love to hear what you have to say:

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I positively know that you are spending TOO much time on M Jackson. Our president is Europe could you possibly cover him and his family? I have had to go to BBC news to get news.

Up until recently, I have watched Anderson Cooper 360 every night. Your coverage of the death of Michael Jackson has been way to excessive. I have switched to other programming for the news and insight on the important events that are affecting our country and the world.

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More about: Behind The Scenes
July 8, 2009
Covering the Jackson story: A personal reflection
Posted: 09:43 AM ET
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Paris Jackson, 11, is consoled by her uncle Marlon Jackson after delivering a tearful tribute to her father.
Paris Jackson, 11, is consoled by her uncle Marlon Jackson after delivering a tearful tribute to her father.

Kay Jones
AC360° Coordinating Editorial Producer

It’s been a long couple of weeks since the moment we learned that Michael Jackson was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest. From the immediate “that can’t be true” thought, to the rush of “what can we confirm,” then to my job: “who can we get?” I feel like I’ve been in Ludacris speed (note Spaceballs reference here!) since June 25.

But as the night nine of my time in Los Angeles and night 13 of our coverage winds down, I am sure the magnitude of the past two weeks will hit me soon.

Yesterday’s memorial was more reverent, more respectful, more thoughtful and more appealing than I even thought possible. I knew early on in the planning process who might have been attending and performing, but even knowing who was on the preliminary list did not diminish what was on stage. And although it’s no secret that Michael Jackson was a controversial figure, the bottom line was the man was a great entertainer. It’s also obvious that he touched so many lives throughout his short life.

I spoke to my six-year-old nephew, Jackson, after the memorial. The first thing he asked was if I got to talk to Kobe Bryant. I find that funny because, although my family is a sports loving family, I do not remember ever watching any part of a NBA game with any of them.

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More about: 360° Radar •  Behind The Scenes •  Kay Jones •  Michael Jackson
Sound Off: Your comments 7/7/09
Posted: 07:03 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: Tuesday night’s AC360° feedback focused on the coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial service. Viewers wrote in to commend Anderson and CNN for the continued coverage, while others criticized the show for giving Michael Jackson more airtime. Take a look at some of what we heard. We’d love to know what you have to say:

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Thank you, Anderson, for having a POSITIVE coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial. The negativity that plagued CNN earlier today made me sick. I am so glad that you are showing respect to his talent and the beautiful things Michael contributed to the entertainment industry.

My deepest gratitude to CNN, for giving me the opportunity to be at Michael Joseph Jackson’s Memorial, from my home. Michael’s spirit will shine forever in this vast universe.

I thought it was amazing for CNN to show the complete coverage of Michael Jackson’s celebration of life without commercials. In this day of shaky economics, that must have cost a lot without any sponsorship revenue to help cover the cost. My hats off to CNN.

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July 7, 2009
Updates from inside the memorial service
Posted: 02:12 PM ET
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Kay Jones
AC360° Coordinating Editorial Producer

12:41 p.m. PT

Paris is breaking my heart. Not a dry eye in the arena

12:37 p.m. PT

Touching moment: Paris hugging her little brother and making sure he is ok.

12:33 p.m. PT

Rev Jesse Jackson swaying along, next to Rev Al Sharpton.

12:32 p.m. PT

Spike Lee just jumped up on stage too. Paris is hugging Blanket. Just so cute

12:30 p.m. PT

Wait not her. Just a look alike
Lots of hugging on stage right now

12:29 p.m. PT

Britney on stage!!!

12:28 p.m. PT

Blanket is on stage with his program. Prince and Paris are singing along. Just adorable

12:19 p.m. PT

Kid from Britain’s Got Talent on stage now. Amazing!!!

12:10 p.m. PT

Usher is standing just a few steps from Jackson’s kids and mother. Really touching song

11:52 a.m. PT

Ok, I admit it. Jermaine made me cry. So touching Now Dr Martin Luther King’s children are speaking

11:45 a.m. PT

It is evident that Brooke Shields cared dearly about Jackson. She is so genuine in her words.

11:39 a.m. PT

Anyone else pick up on the brothers wearing glitter gloves?

Crowd cheering Brooke Shields on. She is trying to keep it together.

11:31 a.m. PT

Rev Al Sharpton is preaching on in here. He has the crowd responding with cheers and tears, and we know it’s sincere. He told me Friday night that he wants us to remember the legacy.

11:24 a.m. PT

How the heck did Jennifer Hudson not win American Idol? She is truly amazing and sounds even better in person than on tv!

11:21 a.m. PT

Magic and Kobe just hugged Michael’s children

11:09 a.m. PT

I think the entire arena is feeling Stevie Wonder. Tears are starting to flow all around, and I hate to admit, I even teared up.

11:04 a.m. PT

Huge roar, loudest so far, for Berry Gordy. You can feel the electricity in the arena.

The big screens are showing the arena what you are seeing on TV as well.

10:58 a.m. PT

I’m sitting next to 4 of the rudest people…Talking on the phone, to each other. I can barely hear Berry Gordy speak!!!

10:51 a.m. PT

Main message from Latoya: Keep the magic going!

10:46 a.m. PT

Some woman is wearing a mask and white gloves. Can’t figure out if it’s to be like Mike or if she’s a germaphobe Queen Latifah has the crowd laughing. You can tell she is emotional and doing her best to hold it together.

10:43 a.m. PT

There is a group of about 50 people in all white. Really a mix of people and fashions, so to speak

10:33 a.m. PT

Lil Kim just walked by my section. Amazingly, the crowd just waved a little and showed her some respect. She is in all black

A choir is is on the stage now. The celebration is beginning

10:27 a.m. PT

Family got a standing ovation when they walked in. Was very nice, and not raukus at all.

People are still filing in. There are a smattering of empty seats but it’s mostly full.

10:16 a.m. PT

Complete silence when Smokey Robinson spoke, now waiting for what’s next. Someone just yelled “We love you Michael”. Some hoots but mostly shhhhs.

10:10 a.m. PT

I’m in! Gold 8×10 programs handed to all ticket holders. Special message from Latoya inside as well as pics throughout his career. Starting soon.

10:04 a.m. PT

The motorcade just arrived, so I am heading into the Staples Center. We aren’t allowed to take photos but hoping to sneak some.

Hearing from credible sources to expect surprises. The fact that his casket will be there was one, so wondering what else is in store.

9:14 a.m. PT
After a week and a half, we are here…

The public memorial service will begin in an hour or so, and everyone outside Staples Center is gearing up for this celebration of Michael Jackson’s life.

I’ll be inside, hoping to update you on what you can’t see on CNN during the service. Will check in later!

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More about: Behind The Scenes •  Kay Jones •  Michael Jackson
Sound Off: Your comments 7/6/09
Posted: 07:10 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: Monday night’s AC360° feedback was varied and offered mixed opinions. Many of you continued to comment on the amount of Michael Jackson coverage, offering both criticism and praise. Gov. Sarah Palin’s resignation had viewers divided. Several felt she made the right choice considering the circumstances, while others thought she shouldn’t be giving up. Here’s some of what we heard, and we’d love to hear from you:

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Enough about Michael Jackson, give us the rest of the news.

CNN and Anderson Cooper are my preferred investigative news source usually except today. Obama is making history making progress with Russia and the almost only news story and the top one is Michael Jackson…I don’t get it. I don’t think this deserves this much coverage from both Larry King and Cooper.

Hello, Michael Jackson was one of the most famous people to every walk the Earth. Thank you for your objective coverage. He transcended racial, musical, androgynous, religious and age barriers. He was a child trapped in an adult body. His father Joe, along with the child molestation trial led him to numb his emotional pain with drugs. My heart goes out to his children, family and friends.

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July 6, 2009
Behind the scenes: Setting up to cover Jackson’s memorial
Posted: 05:26 PM ET
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Kay Jones
AC360° Coordinating Editorial Producer

Set up is underway for tomorrow’s coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial service. Standing outside the Staples Center, media crews from all over the world are setting up their cameras and figuring out the best shots from the platforms that have been designated to them.

We have a great position, high in the sky, for Anderson, Soledad and Don to anchor our coverage tomorrow.

The CNN crew is hard at work today figuring out lighting, since the first shot is at 3am local time, as well as camera positions, shading from the sun, and any other problems that always tend to pop up at these major events.

Officials are starting to cordon off the area so that only people with credentials can be allowed in designated locations, but there are still more than one hundred fans are signing a huge condolence card to Jackson’s family. They were mostly here early, and a LAPD rep said that they will shut off the area soon, only allowing those of us with credentials in.

Now it’s off to our bureau to work on tonight’s program as well as finalizing interviews for tomorrow. Will check in later, and hopefully have some good pics for you soon.

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More about: Behind The Scenes •  Kay Jones
Photo gallery: AC360° reports from LA bureau
Posted: 10:44 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: Last Friday, Anderson remained in LA, digging even deeper into the Michael Jackson story and gaining insight from guests like Dr. Drew Pinsky. This week, Anderson and the AC360° team prepare to cover Jackson’s memorial service. Tune in tonight for more and check out these pictures taken on the roof of the LA bureau.

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More about: Behind The Scenes
Sound Off: Your comments 7/3/09
Posted: 07:18 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: After Friday night’s AC360°, many of you had a lot to say about Michael Jackson and Gov. Sarah Palin. Feedback was pretty mixed — many of you thanked CNN for all of the Jackson coverage while others complained that they’d had enough. Governor Palin’s news also left many of you split down the middle: some think her resignation is a good idea, but others feel that she’s giving up, which is not something you want a leader to do.
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Not only was she the subject of unbelievable vitriol, but Palin’s children has been targeted by “comedians” and “reporters.” Maybe she (unlike Kate Gosselin) realizes that her children are too precious to be thrown into celebrity flames just so she can realize her ambition. My friends in Alaska adored her. Too bad now for all the “objective” reporters, marginal actors and self-important pundits who have obsessed with vilifying her.

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July 3, 2009
Photo Gallery: Anderson on the roof in L.A.
Posted: 12:06 PM ET
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Editor’s Note: Anderson is in Los Angeles covering the latest developments in the Michael Jackson story. Last night he spoke to a number of people, including civil rights leader and Jackson family friend, Rev. Al Sharpton. Tune in tonight for more and check out these pictures taken on the roof of the LA bureau.

45 Comments
More about: Anderson Cooper •  Behind The Scenes •  Randi Kaye
Sound off: Your comments 7/2/09
Posted: 07:00 AM ET
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Editor’s Note: Many of you continued to respond to the death of Michael Jackson, specifically in regard to the amount of coverage the story has been receiving. Some of you also voiced your opinion on Debbie Rowe, the mother of Jackson’s children, who might seek custody of the children. Take a look at what we heard, and tell us what YOU think:

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I am sick to death of all the Michael Jackson reporting. It’s an embarrassment to journalism and to America. Some miss him a lot; some think he’s a pedophile. Whatever one’s opinion, it’s way too much coverage.

Enough already. Is Michael Jackson truly worth 50 minutes of every hour on a news show? I used to respect Anderson Cooper as a journalist, but the show is degenerating into a tabloid.

WAY TOO MUCH airtime about Michael Jackson. Dwelling on sensational, non-factual material that demeans your network.

What is happening with journalism today, approx. 39 minutes on death of mj 4 minutes on U.S. soldier abducted by Taliban? Don’t become tabloid. You are still one of the best

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A behind the scenes look at “Anderson Cooper 360°” and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper, the AC360° staff and a network of contributors. Insight you can’t find anywhere else.

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Candy Crowley is CNN's senior political correspondent and an AC360° contributor
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