Filthy Tabloid Trash apologizes for its absence during the last few days of developing news. It was necessary to use this time to straighten out a few personal/legal details to allow the site to continue. Thank you for your understanding.

On December 31, a representative from the Discovery Channel released the following statement to TMZ:

Given the commencement of legal proceedings beginning next week, and at the request of Michael Jackson’s estate, the scheduled broadcast of the medical documentary related to Michael Jackson’s official autopsy has been postponed indefinitely.

A representative for the Estate of Michael Jackson then released this statement:

The co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson are pleased that Discovery Channel made the correct decision in choosing to cancel this exploitative program. . . . While Discovery cited legal proceedings and our request as the reasons for its decision, none of this would have happened had it not been for the incredible passion displayed by countless Michael Jackson fans worldwide who knew they stood as one and that their voices could not be ignored.

We must continue to stand together. This isn’t about getting credit or delivering praise. We need to count this as a success, thank each other, put aside our differences, and move on. This wasn’t the first battle, and it won’t be the last.

Please remember that Discovery has not officially canceled the program—it has only been “postponed indefinitely”. We must be prepared to take action and speak out again if they announce plans to air the program in the future. Email them and call them to thank them for their decision at this time, and go ahead and unblock Discovery from your television. Then stand strong, and stay vigilant.

The co-executors of Michael Jackson’s Estate, John Branca and John McClain, have sent a powerful message to David Zaslav, the President and CEO of Discovery Communications:

December 29, 2010

David M. Zaslav
President and Chief Executive Officer
Discovery Communications Inc.
One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dear Mr. Zaslav:

We are the co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate. As you are aware, plans by a Discovery Communications channel to air a program in Europe next month purporting to reenact Michael Jackson’s autopsy has understandably angered Michael’s fans worldwide. Your decision to even schedule this program is in shockingly bad taste, insensitive to Michael’s family, and appears motivated solely by your blind desire to exploit Michael’s death, while cynically attempting to dupe the public into believing this show will have serious medical value.

We were especially outraged when a sickening print advertisement for the program appeared making light of Michael’s death by depicting a corpse sprawled on a steel gurney covered by a sheet with a hand sticking out wearing Michael’s signature sequined glove. Discovery obviously views this as clever advertising and creative “branding” for its program. But in fact, the ad is debased, sick and insensitive. No doubt this fictitious, morbid image is being spread worldwide even on the internet, viewed by Michael’s loved ones, and even accepted as authentic by those who may be unaware that Discovery made it up.

There was a time not long ago when Discovery was synonymous with some of the best programming television had to offer, including focusing attention on many of the same environmental issues Michael was so passionate about during his life. That’s why we find your decision to proceed with an offensive, exploitative program like “Michael Jackson’s Autopsy” so mind boggling. On behalf of Michael’s family, fans, common sense and decency, we urge you to reconsider and cancel this program.

Very truly yours,
John G. Branca
John McClain

» Click here to download a PDF of the original letter

It is absolutely crucial that Discovery UK hears from as many of us as possible this week. If you have already sent a letter, send another one. Don’t give up. FTT has assembled a short guide to help assist you in contacting Discovery, but these are just suggestions. The most effective voice is your own. It’s always best to use your own words. The most important thing is that they hear from you. Don’t hesitate.

Calling from US: 0 11 44 208 811 3000
Calling from UK: 0208 811 3000

Before you call, write down what you want to say. Keep your statement clear, concise, well-worded, and direct. Writing down your statement will ensure that you don’t accidentally leave out anything you meant to include, and also that you don’t veer off on a tangent that might make your message less effective.

Ask to speak to someone in customer service. Ask that your call is logged and that you get a reference number for the call. Try to note the time and date of your calls for future reference.

When calling Discovery to tell them they have been blocked and terminated as a viewing option in your home, please do not use abusive language. Explain that although you have been a longtime viewer of their programming, the lack of respect they’ve shown for their audience in deciding to air Michael Jackson’s Autopsy is not something you will stand for. If you have children, let Discovery know that they have lost them as audience members, too. Inform them that you will be encouraging your friends to block their channels from their televisions as well.

You may also wish to dangle a carrot in closing: Tell Discovery how you once felt about their programming, and that you hope they will raise their standards and become the kind of quality network they once were. If Discovery were to end this type of repellent programming, perhaps that would be the incentive for you to come back.

David Zaslav
President and CEO, Discovery Communications
david_zaslav@discovery.com

Nicolas Bonard
Senior Vice President, Discovery Enterprises International
Nicolas_Bonard@discovery-europe.com

Lucy Radcliffe
Assisitant to Nicolas Bonard
Lucy_Radcliffe@discovery-europe.com

Mark Hollinger
President of Discovery Networks International
mark_hollinger@discovery.com

Michael D. Hunter, M.D.
Dr. Hunter will perform the mock autopsy
theforensicdoc@gmail.com

Remember to bcc MJJJustice project at mjj@innocent.com on any emails.

You can also contact Discovery by using their Viewer Relations form.

Note: Please do not use abusive language in any of your communications. Using non-emotive language, simply but firmly explain why these proposed programs on Michael Jackson are not only morally and ethically reprehensible, but are also a potential source of serious anguish and emotional distress for Mr Jackson’s surviving children and family.

Although it is not possible to remove a non-premium channel from a cable subscription package, it is possible to block a channel using parental controls, thereby terminating it as a viewing option in your home.

Non-premium channels make money through ad revenue. The more people block a channel, the less valuable it becomes to advertisers. Put your money where your mouth is. Block the Discovery Channel, and tell your cable provider and the Discovery Channel that you have done so.

1. Use your remote control to access the on-screen parental control panel.

2. Locate and select the Discovery Channel. Note that you may have both regular and HD channels.

3. Block the channel.

Steps to block channels may be slightly different depending on your cable provider. If you unsure of how to access parental controls, visit your provider’s website or call their customer service line.

1. Call your cable provider’s customer service line. Inform them that you have blocked the Discovery Channel, and tell them why.

2. Send a message to Discovery using their Viewer Relations form. Inform them that you have blocked the Discovery Channel, and tell them why.

3. Call Discovery UK and ask to speak to someone in customer service. Ask that your call is logged and that you get a reference number for the call. Also ask that someone calls you back.

Calling from US: 0 11 44 208 811 3000
Calling from UK: 0208 811 3000

When calling Discovery to tell them they have been blocked and terminated as a viewing option in your home, please do not use abusive language. Explain that although you have been a longtime viewer of their programming, the lack of respect they’ve shown for their audience in deciding to air Michael Jackson’s Autopsy is not something you will stand for. If you have children, let Discovery know that they have lost them as audience members, too. Inform them that you will be encouraging your friends to block their channels from their televisions as well.

You may also wish to dangle a carrot in closing: Tell Discovery how you once felt about their programming, and that you hope they will raise their standards and become the kind of quality network they once were. If Discovery were to end this type of repellent programming, perhaps that would be the incentive for you to come back.

MJ Children has launched a petition against the broadcast of Michael Jackson’s Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson on Discovery UK. → Go here to sign it.

via @MJJJusticeprjct

Make sure Discovery hears us loud and clear! Block the network from your television.

From @lovelightmagic:

Call your cable company and ask your provider how to block Discovery channels on your cable/satellite service. Making a call to your service will notify Discovery and have a record that you wish to block their program.

On your parental controls, follow the instructions your cable/satellite provider has given you.

These are the easiest steps to take to block Discovery to your television. Realize that Discovery channels are part of basic program packages. Individual service PARENTAL blocks are a way so you don’t have to give up your usual programming service.

It is imperative that you call your cable company and tell them why you are blocking Discovery’s channels on your cable box.

In the U.S., Discovery’s network of channels includes Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel, Discovery Health, and Investigation Discovery.

From @DeborahFfrench:

The Michael Jackson Autopsy Re-enactment is scheduled to air on Discovery UK between January 13th and January 17th, 2011.

In light of the recent news that the Estate is most likely unable to prevent these programs from going ahead, the global effort to accelerate emails, calls and letter writing to Discovery is now critical.

A word of caution: Please stop talking about the Discovery shows on public sites such as TMZ, CNN, Huffington Post, Yahoo—wherever. Posting publicly about Discovery achieves only one thing: It does Discovery’s promotional work for them and give them the kind of publicity PR professionals charge thousands for.

Action One: Mail Letters

Nicolas Bonard
Senior Vice President, Discovery Enterprises International
Chiswick Park
Building 2
566 Chiswick High Road
London, UK
W4 5YB

David Zaslav
President and CEO, Discovery Communications
1 Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Michael D. Hunter, M.D.
3737 Frankford Avenue
Panama City, FL 32405
(Dr. Hunter will perform the mock autopsy)

Action Two: Write E-mails

David Zaslav
President and CEO, Discovery Communications
david_zaslav@discovery.com

Nicolas Bonard
Senior Vice President, Discovery Enterprises International
Nicolas_Bonard@discovery-europe.com

Lucy Radcliffe
Assisitant to Nicolas Bonard
Lucy_Radcliffe@discovery-europe.com

Mark Hollinger
President of Discovery Networks International
mark_hollinger@discovery.com

Michael D. Hunter, M.D.
Dr. Hunter will perform the mock autopsy
theforensicdoc@gmail.com

Please bcc all emails to MJJJustice project at mjj@innocent.com.

Note: Please do not use abusive language in any of your communications. Using non-emotive language, simply but firmly explain why these proposed programs on Michael Jackson are not only morally and ethically reprehensible, but are also a potential source of serious anguish and emotional distress for Mr Jackson’s surviving children and family.

Would a program of this kind even be contemplated on Tim Russert, Heath Ledger or Brittany Murphy? This disgrace is happening because years of dehumanizing Michael Jackson in the media has led to the belief that this is acceptable.

It isn’t.

Whatever your views or standpoints on present issues, if ever there was a time to put aside differences and unite in strength over an issue—it is now.

Thank you.