The deal between AEG Live and several networks interested to air the tribute concert for the late singer has fallen apart.
- Jul 22, 2009
AceShowbiz - It looks like there won't be a tribute concert for Michael Jackson being aired on TV. A report from Los Angeles Times suggests that the deal between AEG Live, who promotes the concert, and NBC has reached a dead end. A source said that NBC is not willing to pay $20 million for the license fee, neither are other networks who initially participated in the bidding war.
One of the reasons that prompted the networks to lose interest is because there would be no new footage of Michael Jackson performing or any other exclusive footage which are worth the staggering price AEG put on the tag. "And the cost of that thing is $20 million? With no Michael Jackson? Ha!" said one network source who requested anonymity.
Furthermore, AEG originally planned the tribute concert, which is in replacement of Michael's "This Is It!", to be held on the late singer's birthday, August 29. Problem is, the date falls on Saturday which happens to be the lowest-rated night of the week. However, the plan has been altered since and the latest schedule is in September where viewers are ready for Fall season.
Another factor comes from the fear that the TV special will end up looking like an upcoming documentary which will contain Michael's last rehearsal footage.
AEG has not issued a comment on this. Meanwhile, the movie version is slated to premiere in October, directed by Kenny Ortega.
