Nearly 31 million US TV viewers tune in for Jackson memorial

TV Newser is reporting in that nearly 31 million U.S. TV viewers watched the Michael Jackson memorial service Tuesday across 19 networks. Meanwhile 8.9 million watched on the four cable news channels, and another 14.32M watched on the broadcast networks. Here is the breakdown of who watched, when and where.

ABC - 5.31M Total Viewers (1-4pmET)
NBC - 5.12M Total Viewers (1-4pmET)
CBS - 3.89M Total Viewers (1-3:47pmET)

And this is just on television in the U.S alone. The numbers do not count for worldwide viewership, nor that of online streaming video, nor those watching the memorial on any other electronic devices.

I think the sheer numbers of this event alone, not to mention the ongoing interest in media coverage, a huge increase in sales of his music, increased airplay on commercial radio stations and the appetite millions have for anything that is Michael Jackson these days, goes to show that no matter what Jackson was ever accused (and subsequently acquitted) of, the only thing proven, is that he was and is considered by millions to be a tremendous talent who gave his gifts to the world. Rest in peace, Michael, and thank you for your various humanitarian efforts and so many hours of enjoyment.