JACKO TV SPECIAL LOOKS IFFY NOW

November 19, 2003 -- A police raid on Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch has CBS wondering what to do with its new Jacko special, slated to air next week.
CBS declined to "speculate" if the network would drop the special in raid's wake.

"On balance it's been a good [November] sweeps month for CBS," said Katz TV Group's industry analyst Bill Caroll. "But between this and 'The Reagans,' it's the sort of thing that probably got [CBS chief] Les Moonves drinking Pepto-Bismol."

CBS pulled its controversial film about the former president two weeks ago, after it ignited a media firestorm. Network officials claim they made the decision because the film was an "unbalanced" portrayal of Reagan's life.

But observers are split on what CBS should do with "Michael Jackson Number Ones," a one-hour special that's still scheduled to air next week. Caroll said officials will probably have until the end of this week to make a decision.

"Any kind of attention, positive or negative generally sparks ratings," says Mediaweek Online's Marc Berman. "Obviously ever since CBS canceled 'The Reagans' they're looking kind of wimpish."