QUICK TAKES - June 30, 2009

Sunday’s BET Awards, hastily transformed into a tribute to Michael Jackson three days after his death, could be the highest-rated broadcast in the 27-year history of the black-oriented cable network. Yet the show provoked scathing reaction from bloggers and viewers who found some elements, including host Jamie Foxx’s constant promotion of his album and upcoming tour, distasteful and offensive.

The live broadcast drew about 10.2 million viewers, a 61% increase over its audience last year, according to Nielsen Media Research. An estimated 10% of televisions that were on at that time were tuned to the ceremony, which Nielsen said was an unusually high number for a cable network. The ceremony featured several salutes to Jackson by Foxx, Ne-Yo and others.

Highlighting the show was the first public appearance by Janet Jackson since her brother’s death. She walked on stage near the end of the show and emotionally thanked fans for their condolences and support. She was not joined on stage by her father, Joe Jackson, who was in the audience at the Shrine Auditorium.

Despite the salutes, many viewers and bloggers said they were offended by elements of the show, taking special aim at Foxx, who performed three numbers and participated in a sketch with Martin Lawrence.

-- Greg Braxton