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How Michael Jackson's Funeral Ratings Stack Up
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Over 31 million people watched Tuesday's memorial to the King of Pop on television—and an additional 30 million are estimated to have viewed the program online. How does that compare to past celebrity funerals? The Daily Beast has some historical context.
Princess Diana — (9/6/97) 33.2 million viewers
Michael Jackson — (7/7/09) 31.1 million
Pope John Paul II — (4/8/05) 8.8 million
President Gerald Ford — (1/2/07) 15 million
President Ronald Reagan — (6/11/04) 20.8 million for morning funeral; 35 million for prime-time burial
Xtra Insight: View our gallery of celebrity funerals
Xtra Insight: Watch the highlights of Michael Jackson's memorial
Xtra Insight: Read our full Jackson coverage
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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mmennonno
Reagan, not Regan.
MissSpanky
When there is traffic accident on the 405 you would be surprised to know how many people slow down to look at it. Michael Jackson wasn't a traffic accident - he was a major train wreck
joymars
I would like to know the totals divided by channel coverage and repeat loops. I would not be surprised to find that Jacko's averages tank. I've never seen so much super-saturated hoopla in my life. Unwarranted -- and as bizarre as its subject.
It's time to review FCC regulations.
jaimelavie
Did the author take into account the number of viewers in Africa? Since Africa is never taken into account in anything except only when its mineral resources are needed. Michael Jackson is known, imitated and admired even in the most remote village in Africa. Lady D was also widely known but not everywhere in the world. She is an icon. MJ is a legend.
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