Jackson's memorial to be bigger global online event than Obama's inauguration

LONDON : Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles is expected to be an even bigger global internet video-viewing event than the inauguration of US President Barack Obama.

Facebook users will be able to share thoughts while watching free streaming video of the memorial at CNN Live, ABC, and E! Online websites.

A Michael Jackson page at Facebook has already topped 6.5 million fans, unseating Obama's "fan page" as the most popular at the California-based social networking service.

"We are preparing for numbers that easily outweigh the inauguration. There is just so much global reach for this star; something about him or his music has touched people around the world," the Telegraph quoted Randi Zuckerberg, Facebook's marketing director, as saying.

The same technology used to stream CNN coverage of Obama's inauguration - Facebook Connect - will be put to work letting people watch the Jackson memorial.

"Internet users across the globe can watch live while simultaneously updating their Facebook status and following their friends
on Facebook - and other Jackson fans around the world," said a statement issued by Facebook.

More than 800,000 free virtual versions of Jackson's famous glove have been sent to Facebook members as free gifts.

Within a week after Jackson's death on June 25 at age 50, millions of people flocked to the official Michael Jackson channel at YouTube.

The rate at which visitors followed "click-to-buy" links to purchase Jackson music at online shops leapt by a multiple of 46, according to YouTube.