'news' report: After two days of radio airplay, michael jackson's "breaking news" scores a no. 1 billboard ranking.
The controversial preview track from "michael," due dec. 14, debuts atop the r&b/hip-hop songs' bubbling under chart, which showcases the top 25 titles that have yet to reach the 100-position r&b/hip-hop songs survey.
"breaking news" logged 1.1 million impressions on 52 r&b/hip-hop stations after just two days of airplay, according to nielsen bds. Among all stations monitored by bds, "breaking news" registered 302 plays on 177 stations, amounting to an audience of 2.6 million, since its arrival monday (nov. 8).
Despite its rising chart status, "breaking news" logged 94% of its two-day audience among r&b/hip-hop songs panelists in its first day of availability. Fifty r&b/hip-hop stations played the song monday, but just four programmed it tuesday.
Adult r&b reporter wbls/new york spun "breaking news" once monday. "listeners seemed to think that 'breaking news' sounds 'unfinished' and is not a representation of the level of perfection that michael sought in his music," says wbls program director skip dillard.
"many listeners who responded asked to hear other tracks and said that they'll be interested to hear what else is on the upcoming album."
http://www.billboard.com/column/char...5.story?page=2