MTV to Air Michael Jackson’s This is It
Ironically, the network that introduced a new generation of fans to Michael Jackson will also air his final performance. According to THR, the MTV Network fought tooth and nail to gain the rights to the posthumously released film, Michael Jackson’s This is It.
MTV played Jackson’s music videos throughout his career, which helped propel the self-proclaimed “King of Pop” to number one rankings during the 1980s. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the MTV Networks have acquired the exclusive U.S. TV rights to air the documentary, This Is It.
“The film is a true testament to Michael’s musical genius, passion and commitment to his craft,” said Van Toffler, president of the MTV Networks Music Group. “Michael Jackson has always been inextricably tied to our viewers as they witnessed his evolution from a talented performer to a global icon who redefined music. Now, with this film, we can help give his fans a chance to see his final performance.”
The film did not reap the box office success Sony and AEG had hoped, but the film did sell millions of tickets and raked in $223 million. This Is It details Jackson’s final concert rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage as Jackson prepared for his planned comeback tour. MTV viewers are likely still loyal Jackson fans and will presumably give the network exceptional ratings when it airs in the Spring of 2011.
What do you think of MTV acquiring This is It?
Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:12AM
If you hear it from people in the music industry, it was Michael Jackson that "rescued MTV from the backwaters of cable television". His Thriller and other groundbreaking videos gave MTV the exposure and momentum to make it what it is today. Hail to the King.
From Malaysia.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:15PM
This is such bad news. After the way MTV treated Michael in 2002 when they deliberately set out and succedded in embarrassing him that they now have the rights to TII is shameful. Sony must have been smiling with glee as the papers were signed. Michael would definitely not be happy about this. Go to Youtube and search for An Embarassing Moment for Michael Jackson in MTV then google 'MTV Comes Clean about Artist of the Millennium Award'. It should change the views of all MJ fans.
Sunday, November 22, 2009 6:44AM
thats too much time fo spring 2011__i rather see it on the theather ot in dvd when its released