The singer died last month at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest following a suspected drug overdose.
The Daily Telegraph said the British broadcaster is being accused by viewers of playing into "the cult of personality" because it dedicated its BBC News and international BBC World News channels to Tuesday's star-studded ceremony, which lasted more than two hours.
BBC Two also interrupted its early evening schedule to broadcast live from the memorial at the Staples Center, while its Radio 1 station covered the event from London. The BBC's high-definition channel aired the tribute, as well, the Telegraph said.
"It actually doesn't matter what that single issue is but even Sept. 11 (2001) and July 7 (2005) weren't reported to the almost total exclusion of other news. It is pandering to the cult of personality," one complaint read.
"The death of any person is regrettable, but as far as numbers are concerned there are more people to whom other news is more important."
The newspaper said the BBC and the media regulator Ofcom are expected to release shortly the number of complaints the broadcaster has received regarding its coverage of the memorial.
The BBC reportedly received 748 complaints last week regarding its "wall-to-wall" coverage of Jackson's death.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Thank you correction
Thank you BBC for your coverage of the Legendary Entertainer and Humanitarian's memorial service. Thank you 748 x 748. It caused us to pause and look at oursevlve and what we can do to help change the world we are responsible for much like Michael Jackson. You helped the world come together for just a moment. Life is too short to focus entirely on the negative, we came together as a worldwide family to mourn the lost a one that gave so much to sooo many. I think people will survive, two hours is nothing compared to the life and legacy that MJ gave to our world, our culture, our global community. So thank you for joining the celebration of the world! THANK YOU!
Thank you
Thank you BBC for your coverage the Legendary Intertainer and Humanitarian. THANK YOU!!!!!748 TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!
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