Chronicle of a death oversold

Thoughtful reflections by Mark Lawson on news coverage of the death of Michael Jackson. Ends on this note:

Journalism was once grandly said to be the first draft of history. We’ve now moved to a world in which gossip is the first draft of journalism. When the rumour proves true, it’s great luck for viewers. But there will be nights, you fear, when this amazing pace will lead to retractions and embarrassment.