Talk show host is considering runs for Senate, White House.
NBC to Air Martin Bashir's Jackson Interview
Network will broadcast "Living With Michael Jackson," which originally ran on ABC in 2003.
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NBC has acquired the rights to an edited, one-hour version of "Living with Michael Jackson" -- the 2003 ABC documentary hosted by Martin Bashir.
It will run Monday as a "Dateline NBC" special.
MSNBC has acquired rights to air the special up to 12 times. The cabler has already run it six times and plans the other six spread out among the next two weeks.
Bashir's interview special was the catalyst for child molestation charges brought against Jackson after it had aired. He conducted the interview back when he was with the U.K.'s ITV1, and he is now one of "Nightline" anchors. (Watch videos of Michael Jackson interviews through the years.)
The deal is just the latest to throw TV networks and cablers into crazy mode.
On Thursday, officials for TV Land were already working fast to create special programming events to recognize the anticipated death of actress Farrah Fawcett, putting the finishing touches on original documentary special “Chasing Farrah” and at last minute securing rights to a select number of “Charlie’s Angels” episodes (“Hell Ride” and “Angels in Chains”) to present over the weekend.
Then in the afternoon, came the much bigger, much more unexpected news of Michael Jackson’s passing. That sent TV Land officials, as well as programmers from many other television outlets, into all-out scramble mode.
At TV Land, program acquisitions officials frantically worked the phones, this time securing the rights to the 1992 ABC made-for-TV movie “The Jacksons: An American Dream” starring Angela Bassett as matriarch Katherine Jackson, Holly Robinson Peete as Diana Ross and Alex Burrall as Michael.
Of course, TV Land, which targets an audience that typically cares very much about 1970s- and ’80s-era pop icons, was hardly alone among TV outlets in its mad dash to program around two major celebrity deaths.
NBC on Thursday first announced that it would run a special tribute within its “Dateline” newsmagazine that night, “Farrah Fawcett: The Life and Death of an Angel,” which would be followed on Friday night by a rebroadcast of the two-hour “Farrah’s Story,” a documentary chronically the actress’ cancer battle that already produced big ratings in when it originally aired in May.
Like everyone else, plans changed when word of Jackson’s death arrived in the late afternoon New York time. Moving fast, NBC expanded “Dateline” to two hours (9-11 p.m.), hastily assembling a Jackson tribute to go along with the “Farrah” one that had been mostly ready to go for weeks. On Friday, the “Dateline” tribute to Jackson would be rebroadcast at 10 p.m. after the two-hour re-airing of “Farrah’s Story.”
For NBC, the back-to-back tributes Friday proved to be a ratings winner, with the repeat of “Farrah’s story generating a 1.1 household rating/5 share, and the Jackson-themed “Dateline scoring a 2.0/7 for an overall win for the network.
This came at the expense of Fox’s two-hour backdoor pilot “Virtuality,” which struggled to a 0.5/2 performance Friday.
While TV Land and NBC were among the few outlets devoting extensive news and tribute coverage to both Fawcett and Jackson, it was the King of Pop who was virtually inescapable to channel surfers over the weekend.
For example, CBS, which ran the hourlong special “The Life and Death of Michael Jackson” at 10 p.m.
Comments
Titi Says
If it were not for the other hosts on ABC's Nightline, I would have no use for Martin Bashir. It was a major disappointment for me that my signature program on ABC saw it fit to include this unscrupulous man in its lineup after Ted Koppel.games
maureen Says
i think they all should get fired and go to jail for what they did.people like this shoudnt get away with this,it just shows are kids they can if they get in a mess,well those people got away with it.this abc isnt showing our kids the right standard in news bussiness at all.is that what we want?abc should show the true tape and do whats right. our country is going to hell because of people like this.were is the law,why arent they putting out more laws for this not to happen.all we can do is not watch martin bashir show at nite and that may take him off. plus they should make him give the money he made of from michaels tape to chairty.same with diane diamond too.jorden should and family go to jail and give back the money to chairty of michael.
Mary RM Says
If NBC airs this slanderous documentary I will boycott every program on this network and will encourage everyone else to do so as well. does the network not have the rights to the Maury Povich rebuttal ("The Footage You Were Never Meant to See") that shows what Bashir actually said? that would definitely be worth airing
Kathy Caudle Says
August 2, '09
MARTIN BASHIR MURDERED MICHAEL JACKSON. This on-the-skids reporter was looking for an opportunity to advance. He got that life-time chance by being offered to interview Michael Jackson by the extortionist Evan Chandler who stole $20 million from Michael by having his son Jordan falsely accuse Michael of child molestation.
Everybody knows EVAN CHANDLER is an EXTORTIONIST. And everyone also knows that Martin BAshir colluded with the thief Evan Chandler to extort money from Michael Jackson.
Evan Chandler's scheme was for Martin 'Bashir to manipulate Michael Jackson to "confess" things, especially about himself, that could incriminate him criminally. Knowing that Michael would welcome the opportunity to "set the record straight" about himself he was approached and, as we all know, agreed to be interviewed by Martin Bashir.
Michael did NOT confess anything by paying the out-of-court settlement of the millions. Instead Michael was pressured by his insurance to make the payout against his will.
Martin Bashir then was a willing participate to Michael Jackson's murder. By aiding and abetting Evan Chandler make the first false criminal accusations agaisnt Michael Jackson Martin Bashir paved the way for the second set of criminal accusations to be made against Michael.
Of course Martin Bashir is only one of many who are culpable in the premature death of Michael Jackson. Like the others Martin Bashir WILL be held accountable for his part in killing Michael Jackson and then keeping silent when he should be talking and so telling what he really knows.
Carol Says
It is sad that Michael was in so much pain he had to be on pain killers. Some people judge that very harshly but they haven't been there. I know what it is like to a certain extent cause I have Fibromyalgia which is very painful. I don't take meds for it but sometimes it is very tempting cause the pain gets so bad. As also Michael had lupus so it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't have Fibromyalgia also cause lupus sufferers tend to get it. My daughter has lupus and let me tell you the pain and flare ups I have seen her endure literally brings me to tears. A person can't really say what they would do unless they have been there, it is a lot easier to get hooked on pain pills than you think and not even realize you done it, you just want the pain to go away. As far as the vultures in his life is concerned your day is coming and you will pay one way or another. I know one thing I want to see Martin Bashir fired and kicked to kingdom come. The man should not be allowed to show his nasty face, I can't stand the sight of him. I hear he has a tumor not sure if it is true. That being the case, justice will be served and not by our hands.
Kay Says
I just watched the interview with that bastard Bashir through Michael's camera and it was nothing like what Bashir is trying to depict Michael. It is sad and unfair that the slimy Bashir gets a lucrative deal out of the interview through ABC. There will never be another person like Michael and he will be dearly missed by millions. RIP Michael.
Adain Says
I will read from time to time for that.
http://www.shoesemart.com
Cecil Says
Congratulations to Martin Bashair, you are the catalyst which puts the greatest musical artist and humanitarian of all time in his grave.
What reward is fit for Martin Bashair?
Personally, I think he should kill himself.
Cecil Says
Congratulations to Martin Bashair, you are the catalyst which puts the greatest musical artist and humanitarian of all time in his grave.
What reward is fit for Martin Bashair?
Personally, I think he should kill himself.
Heide Says
I didn't see the interview when it aired in 2003 so I'm watching it now. And Bashir is a manipulative s.o.b. Michael trusted him and what he did was defamed Michael. No wonder the poor man don't trust anyone. He thought that Bashir would present an honest portrayal about him and all he did was took advantage of him.He was killed by the media, Bashir, the leeches that surrounded him. They're there to steal his money, his fortune, his name. What a sad society we live in. Nothing has changed in this planet instead it's getting worse. Sad to see a man who had given his time, energy, and money to humanitarian efforts has gone in a tragic way. Michael was used-he was the tool to the money hungry executives. Rest in peace Michael. You are loved!!!
DAVE Says
MICHAEL JACKSON : Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that this would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me he was the man that turned Dianas life around, he said in a videotaped statement.
Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before - that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair programme.
Jackson was already under way and Bashirs career was booming as a result of his extraordinary coup. On the back of his success he took up a deal with ABC said to have been worth $1 million to become an anchor on 20/20, the American equivalent of Newsnight. (google this for more details)
*** I've seen all the interviews by MARTIN BASHIR and DIANE SAWYER on youtube about Michael Jackson...they obviously have a dislike on the KING OF POP. please watch MARTIN BASHIRs "living with Michael Jackson" and DIANE SAWYERs interview with Michael and Lisa Marie.... iand diane sawyer interviewing lisa marie after the divorce. It's a shame having this two on ABC, but i therefore conclude that ABC should not be trusted, they are bias and not professionals. ***
ABC Says
Guess ABC NIghtline can't afford to hire better qualified Journalists.. ..
Money hungry greedy bastards they are too if they air this pretended, bogus , botched documentary.. shame on them all!!!!
New song coming out, called
Blood on the Internet/ Television/ etc etc.. you get the drift..
This man was INNOCENT.. it dont seem to amaze me all this bogus money grabbing greedy bitches coming out of the woodwork..
I believe there was a CONSPIRACY ongoing, and they succeeded, so lets get down to the REAL ISSUE...
Who and WHY did THEY murder MJJ????? Who was in his closest circles since around 2000, if you look at his photos in the papers etc, his looks went so downhill.. so .. I blame it on all of them from the late 90's till his murder..
As I said,,, HIs murder was a CONSPIRACY.. and he knew it too, and was too scared to even say it.. poor guy.........................so lets see who all is made more fortunate from this man's death.......................there is a huge line-up waiting with their paws outstretched.. Bashir is not the only one to benefit.. so lets watch and lets keep on their toes to make sure they find out who his murderer was.. in that Conspiracy he mentioned in a long ago interview.. who was he afraid of ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????
In one of his songs lyrics, he mentions something about 2 women... who do you think that would be?????????????????????????????????????????
Arche Angel Says
Wow, I see Martin Bashir as a tool of Satan... nothing more.. I hope he dies a horrible long illness... cancer,,, or from something just as long and painful and drawn out.......... I m fed up with these Yellow Journalists.. .. My heart goes out to MJJ's family and his children........speaking of which,,, I wished the damned press would back off from those children.. asking questions like on Larry King about biological parentage.. Like WTF.. I know in this world, alot of fathers who dont pay any not one ounce of time or money on their biological children, nothing, totally oblivious to their own biological childrens well being.. so MJJ at least he wasnt afraid to love his.. so SHAME on this duche bag Bashir for airing this version of his bogus lying interview and more shame to the rest of the people who helped kill MJJ.. yea I said it.. cause you know that's what you people all did in your damned CONSPIRACY...........SHAME on YOU ALL... I loved MJJ, saw nothing wrong with him, he was PURE and NAIVE and INNOCENT, even proved it in court, yet they wanted his blood.. just as Judeas was chasing after Jesus and was a traitor to him.. so in my opinion, Martin Brashir, is Satan...................shame on him........shame on those people who lied too who doubted MJJ.........shame on so many people, perhaps MJJ is better off where he n ow is, people cant hurt him any more.. I wished to join him... thanx Bashir, you stained your hands for life.. o and same to those damned cops ( or wanna be keystone cops ) who tortured MJJ in the bathroom at the place where he said they made him sit for how damned Long!!! I saw the photos of his wrists and the bruising on his arms.. I am sick of humans.... we are not so advanced in years no more.. we have reverted back to the SAVAGE society we came forth from.. what a sad day for Mandkind..
R. I. P. Michael.. we all loved you.. you gave so much and suffered way TOO much.................. your father, well he better step up to that plate now, and not with eyes shining of greed for your money .. cause then we will know for sure, that Satan lives, and what religions he takes on, is irrepressible.. he is amongst us in so many people.. it sickens me.. makes me feel so bad for society.. we truly are still farther behind then the modern Cave Man ..
kate Says
wow. that is so wrong to air it. why would you do that. just....wow. horrible. i really hope someone gets fired if it gets aired.
Michaela Says
The same as the others already said.
Martin Bashir #!}=}*%'# ...
I hope he feels blame or guilt or something in that area.
Time to Quit Watching TV Altogether Says
I DESPISE Martin Bashir for the way he twisted the interview and CAUSED the following years of TORMENT for Michael Jackson. Martin Bashir should be made to ALWAYS REMEMBER that HE WAS RESPONSIBLE for the horrible circus Michael would face for the rest of his life. If you watch the original documentary, you will see the insinuations. Gavin Arvizo HAD TO CLAIM SEXUAL IMPROPRIETY, otherwise he would always have been taunted by other kids for his "sexual" relationship with Michael Jackson (which was clearly NOT TRUE if you watch the original documentary). If YOU were Gavin Arvizo, the documentary would have put YOU in such a bad light, YOU would have sued MJ, too!
BASHIR IS THE ONE HUMAN BEING TO BLAME for Michael's problems, and he should be forced to ALWAYS REMEMBER IT, thanks to that HORRIFIC yellow-journalism "documentary" he was responsible for.
And now NBC wants to run it, too? They're feeling left out of the circus -- so they want to put a NAIL in the COFFIN. TV "JOURNALISM" OUGHT TO BE HIDING IN DISGRACE.
BJ Says
Please don't air. This documentary broke Michael. Martin's suspicious narration and cheap sarcasm - hidden from Michael - was selfish indulgence in his own murky perceptions and judgments. The cost of his little secret double cross? A unique treasure destroyed. Had Michael been left alone he would have continued to build a cash machine of immense scale funding charities all over the world in perpetuity. The era of megastars has gone so it is very unlikely that gift will ever be duplicated. And Paris has lost her daddy forever.
All evidence pointed to the Chandler and Orvizo parents lying for money. Michael needed a fair rebalance, not more of the same suspicious dirt. Bashir & his audience felt threatened by Michael's incredible energy and creativity, had to destroy it. They saw him through their own dark lens of limited stereotypes - so dark they couldn't even conceive of sharing a bed as innocent. Bashir is a treacherous swine with blood on his hands, who should be shunned by anyone who has morals. ABC showed exactly how much they can be trusted: not at all.
Thanks.
GLAY Says
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't air the interview of Martin Bashir with Michael Jackson, it is bias,stupid, and unprofessional. "Dieter Wiesner, the pop star's manager from 1996 to 2003, stated about the influence of Bashir's documentary on Michael Jackson: "It broke him. It killed him. He took a long time to die, but it started that night. Previously the drugs were a crutch, but after that they became a necessity" PLEASE PLEASE DON'T AIR IT AGAIN...
jb Says
I would hate to see that this interview will have to be on air again. This is a shame. This week is supposed to be for the legacy of michael and not for triumphant of martin bashir's interview that lead to his molestation charges...Martin bashir, was biased on this interview, had hidden intentions and I do not see the reason for bringing it up on air. It is wiser to air oprah's interview again or with diane sawyer. just a shame...
LM Says
TOMMY I AGREE WITH YOU 100%
MICHAEL DID SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, FROM DONATING MONEY TO UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE, CHANGED THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND OF COURSE HE PUT A SMILE ON THE WHOLE WORLD AND LIFTED OUR SPIRITS WITH HIS MUSIC.
tommy Says
Had Michael given the interview to Louis Theroux, he would have had a very different take on things, with Louis being open minded enough to see things from MJ's perspective, a man who had the ability to have anything he wanted so chased the one thing he never had, a childhood. Kids don't care so much about money and power so they also make good company to someone who would find it nearly impossible to talk to another adult without seeing an agenda arise. It is only when people grow up that they think they can gain from other peoples loss, a lesson I wish people would get over and realize we are all one consciousness and hurting someone else will only hurt yourself.
Martin Bashir like many other selfish distructive people, he aimed to sell Michael for what ever he could get from him. SHAME ON YOU BASHIR, may the guilt of adding to Michael's downfall with your narrow minded interrogation get stronger everyday.
To Conrad Murray, MJ's doctor, how can you supply painkillers without any limit, your job is to supply health not fuel an addiction, but if the pay is right, right?
Jordan Chandler, Gavin Arvizo you know what you did, Michel was an easy target. Jordan, is the money good for you does it take the guilt away. Gavin, Michael saved your life so that you could help destroy his.
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL JACKSON this world was not the right place for you, too many greedy, jealous, evil people waiting to take a slice of someone as caring, innocent and brilliant as you were. For all the hope and joy you brought to the world we thank you.
To anyone who ruthlessly gained from MJ's downfall you are to blame. This is a truly tragic end, will people ever learn.
Fraggle Says
If it were not for the other hosts on ABC's Nightline, I would have no use for Martin Bashir. It was a major disappointment for me that my signature program on ABC saw it fit to include this unscrupulous man in its lineup after Ted Koppel. He attracts stories that show the nastiest side of human beings. It seems he is not content unless he is showing that humanity isn't cut out to be anything much. I find him really despicable. He took "down" in his little impish mind, one of the world's biggest stars, to build his little self up...did him a world of good and "wrecked" Michael. Well, Mr. Bashir, eat your heart out, people see much more in MJ and his music than the likes of you can ever sully. The news of his passing crashed the internet and the charts are burning up now with his work....TAKE THAT MARTIN "creep" BASHIR.
alecx Says
bashir is the devil. he pretend he is a christian! READ the NEW TESTAMENT and try to understand the message of Jesus Christ, you .. devil. I hope you'll rotte in Hell! You were speaking with an angel... IDIOT!
You will cary this shame for ever!
J--- Says
Michael Jackson donated more than $300 million to charity and saved many lives. Does anyone remember the 3 year old Farcus? Farcus was dying because he couldnt find a liver. Michael spent his own $$$MONEY$$$ to search for a liver all over the world. It wasn't for Michael's effort, they wouldnt have found it. He saved lives. HOW CAN THIS IDIOT MARTIN BASHIR LIE AND RUIN MICHAEL'S IMAGE BY NOT TELLING THE TRUTH. HE EDITED THE DOCUMENTARY MAKING MICHAEL LOOK BAD. HOW DID ABCNEWS LET THIS HAPPEN? STUPID IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD ALL SEE THE UNEDITED VERSION OF THE DOCUMENTARY HOSTED BY MAURY.
mamy Says
You motherf**king Martin Bashir, It all sarted because of you .MJ trusted you to let you interview him but you sturb him on the back.you will get your turn in this world.
francis Says
filthy bastard martin bashir........!!!
Dyan Says
My family and I are shocked and very saddened at the sudden passing
of such a wonderful person, singer and entertainer. We love his music, videos and the way he moved. Nobody will ever take his place
and ever fill his shoes. It's too bad that he was in soo much pain and had to be on painkillers. Hopefully, we'll all meet in a much better place at Heavens Golden Gates. Love to all.
savvydude Says
Seeing Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton enter the picture just made me cringe. I can see it now - a march down Wilshire Blvd. to city hall demanding more of this and that. Yawn. Just be glad they can't bother you anymore, Michael.
Jay Says
When is the funeral? Please hurry and get this man in the ground for civility sake Jesse Jackson, Big Al Sharpton and Joe Jackson are swarming like greedy vultures and the man ain't in the ground yet. Talk aout Barbarians at the gate. I wonder when the last time this trio in particular spoke to Michael. Curious to know if they suggested he needed medical and mental health adviceor just said that's Michael being Michael. Whatever it was someone should have been a man and told him to get his healh together. He looked so frail and thin from the drugs, And I'm sure he was petrified about the tour. After all the world has changed since his last tour and I would not liked to see him like James Brown in his latter years. There is buzz on FOX about 1)suicide, 2) accidental overdose or 3)murder. Also that Michael is worth more dead than alive. Geraldo seems to have it all figured out and sadly the family will have to listen to all the greedy plots before the man is in the ground. I Hope Aretha Franklin sings "Mary Don't You Weep" for the service. I know it is going to be a helluva party at the funeral...just like it should be. "Remember if you can't say something good about the dead then don't say anything at all" There will plenty of time for that. Just like King Elvis, they are both gone too soon...... Now let;s do something positive for the world. Just look in the mirror and make that change. The King of Pop would be pleased....
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