Jackson, Michael, 1958-2009

Vogue Magazine film critic John Powers talks about the year in media: the major events, the trending topics and the evolution of social networking.

What This Is It lacks in tactful timing, it makes up for with perspective on Michael Jackson's backstage life. Although Jackson's star persona stays front and center, critic David Edelstein says director Kenny Ortega makes a real effort to show us the performer's human side — a treat that makes the King of Pop all the more stellar.

Fresh Air TV critic David Bianculli remembers pop icon Michael Jackson, who died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 50.

Critic-at-large John Powers reflects on the end of the Michael Jackson child molestation trial.

Rock critic KEN TUCKER considers the life and art of Michael Jackson and reviews his new album of greatest hits, “Number Ones.”

TV critic David Biancullii reviews Diane Sawyer's interview with Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, which aired June 14th on ABC's "Primetime Live."

Emmy-Award winning documentary filmmaker and producer, Thomas Lennon. His newest documentary examines the interaction between the tabloid press and the mainstream media: "Tabloid Truth: the Michael Jackson Scandal" (which airs on PBS stations February 15th). By watching the story of alleged sexual abuse swell from verifiable news to national spectacle, Lennon questions the state of American journalism, as CNN fights for the same stories once relegated to the National Inquirer.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews last night's premiere of Michael Jackson's new music video, "Black Or White." He also discusses how Jackson has changed the world of music videos.