I hit the social networking sites to ask people if they’ll be watching the Michael Jackson memorial. On Facebook, Tenzin writes:

he’s a pop god i would surely have attended the concert if i could … but i can only watch it on tv …

The memorial is on TV today, including LIVE coverage on FOX News hosted by Shepard Smith. But for those who aren’t near a TV today, we’re also streaming live right here on FoxNews.com. I’ll be covering the memorial itself and the lead-up to it from 12-2pmET on Strategy Room. Reporters Anita Vogel and Adam Housley are covering the expected family funeral and the public memorial in Los Angeles for Fox News, and may also be joining us with live reports on Strategy Room. At 2pm, I’ll head over to FOX News Radio, where I’ll join host Todd Starnes to discuss the performances, the attendees, and more. We’ll be sure to discuss the cost of today’s events, which has some fans very concerned. On Twitter, Jeff writes:

Label me a fan, but this thing about taxpayers paying for the funeral security is off the wall.

And others say they aren’t fans of Jackson at all, but will still check out today’s memorial. On Facebook, Jeffry writes:

I may watch it out of curiosity because it’s demanding so much attention. If I were out there and if I had a ticket I might attend because it’s an historic event not because I’m a Michael Jackson fan.

Will you be watching today’s coverage? If so, is it because it’s become such a huge news story, because you’re a fan, or for another reason? We want to hear from you. Click “comments” below and share your thoughts.

Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon in 1989

Fans and fellow celebrities are celebrating the life of legendary television personality Ed McMahon, who passed away early this morning.

He may have been best known for his resounding introduction of Johnny Carson on the “Tonight Show.” When I interviewed him at a film premiere in July 2007, he worked MY name into his famous catchphrase, saying “Herrrrrrre’s Jillly!” into the microphone. What an honor! He was friendly and generous throughout our interview, and I truly enjoyed meeting him.

Those who knew him much better than me are sharing their memories today. Doc Severinsen, “Tonight Show” bandleader during the Carson era, said in a statement today, “He was one of the greats in show business, but most of all he was a gentleman.”

McMahon’s publicist, Howard Bragman, tells Fox News Channel that fans should remember the highlights of McMahon’s “wonderful life.” Among them, working as an announcer on the Jerry Lewis telethon, hosting “Star Search,” and laughing along with Dick Clark on “TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes.”

In addition to his long list of career accomplishments, McMahon will be remembered for his upbeat spirit. As he told Fox in an interview last October, “The best thing I say is to try to look to a brighter sunrise. Tomorrow’s going to be a better day. Feel that way, live that way, and do your job that way.”

NKOTB's Joey McIntyre with Jill Dobson

I’m backstage with Joey McIntyre and the rest of The New Kids on the Block!  They were the Jonas Brothers of their day… beloved by throngs of screaming preteens in the late 80s and early 90s.  These days, the fans are more composed (and all grown up)… but they tell me they are just as excited as ever to catch the group on their Full Service Summer Tour.

Twenty-two-year-old Jesse McCartney is opening for the group, after previous tours with FloRida, Fergie and Jordin Sparks.  He tells me this is a different audience than he’s used to. “It’s a nostalgic crowd, really,” says McCartney.  “There are a lot of women in their 30s.”  Come backstage with Danny, Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan and Joey!  Click here:

done

The New Kids on the Block will bring “The Right Stuff” to another 18 cities nationwide before their tour wraps next month.

Demonstrators protest David Letterman

As fans of David Letterman’s “Late Show” lined up for tonight’s taping, protesters gathered across the street chanting “Fire Dave!  Fire Dave!”  One audience member from Detroit told me he’d seen the Letterman-Palin feud on the news.  He told me, “At first I was concerned, but Letterman apologized, it’s over now.”  Others say Letterman’s joke that Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter was “knocked up by Alex Rodriguez” is unforgivable.  Some said he should be fired, others called for suspension, and many said they hoped corporations would stop advertising on Letterman’s show.

 The protest may have been small — I’d estimate 35-50 demonstrators attended — but it was chaotic as passersby stopped to check out the scene, tourists took photos, and the NYPD tried to keep the sidewalks clear enough for pedestrians to walk by.  Also, a few people turned out to protest the protest!  A handful of people held up anti-Palin signs.  They had their own fenced-off area to stand, separate from the larger protest.  Meanwhile, some passersby were offended that we were covering this story at all. One man told us we should be covering Iran.  He walked off before I could tell him that my Fox News Channel co-workers are doing a great job of providing in-depth Iran coverage around the clock.  Overall, plenty of passionate people sharing their viewpoints — and another interesting day on the job as Fox Entertainment Correspondent.

Jill Dobson reporting LIVE among the Times Square crowd

I’m reporting LIVE from New York City’s Times Square today, sharing some long-awaited positive economic news. The Broadway League has released its gross box office income for the past 12 months, and it was a record-breaking year. Broadway shows raked in approximately $943 million dollars, despite a 1% drop in attendance.

For all the facts and figures, click here.

In the meantime, I’ll be standing out here in the always-crowded Times Square. During my first Fox News live shot today, a producer, audio tech, cameraman and even an intern stood in a wide circle around me to try to keep passersby from accidentally (or purposely!) walking through my live shot. I think one still got through right at the end, but that’s OK – it probably gave people at home a very accurate picture of just how crowded Manhattan is!

One of the people we met up with today was the Broadway League’s Executive Director, Charlotte St. Martin. She tells Fox News that other industries could learn some money-making tips from Broadway. “Broadways touches its live audiences every night,” says St. Martin, “So it stays in touch with what the consumer really wants. And I think businesses that don’t stay in touch with their consumer perhaps are ones that aren’t as strong as Broadway is.”

Our next reports are at 2:45pm et and 7:25pm et– tune in to Fox News Channel for the positive economic news – and the hectic Times Square scene!