The Morning Fix: Jackson’s legacy -- the music and the money; TMZ scores again; CBS’s LENO plan; Genachowski confirmed

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After the coffee. Before checking Twitter.

Man in the Mirror. The death of pop star Michael Jackson on the eve of a comeback attempt sent news organizations. Appreciations and analysis of Jackson from The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times detail his meteoric rise in the 1970s to the increasingly bizarre behavior that often overshadowed his musical legacy.

Beat it. TMZ, the Time Warner-backed website ran by lawyer-turned-muckraker Harvey Levin again led the way, breaking the news of Jackson’s passing and forcing everyone else to play catch-up. The Los Angeles Times. talks to TMZ chief Harvey Levin and recaps the day on the screen and online. Variety details the challenges the networks faced putting together specials on Jackson’s life.

Don’t stop till you get enough. Michael Jackson’s money woes were almost as well-known as his dancing prowess. The Wall Street Journal looks at the singer’s deal-making savvy and expensive spending habits.

Secret project. CBS detailed its covert plan to boost the performance of its stations in the 10 p.m. hour. Called ‘Project Leno’ (Late prime Enhanced News Opportunity), the marketing push is designed to combat NBC’s move of Jay Leno to prime time. Variety.

Confirmed. Julius Genachowski was approved by the Senate to be the next Federal Communications Commission Chairman. Broadcasting & Cable says he could be in the chair in time for July 2nd’s FCC meeting. Also confirmed was Republican nominee Robert McDowell.

You want popcorn with that? The Financial Times reports that bidders are lining up to buy Sumner Redstone’s UK National Amusements theaters. (Registration required)

In the Los Angeles Times: Backlash against Oscar change picks up steam. ‘Transformers’ sets record. Farrah Fawcett’s legacy.

-- Joe Flint