ABC scores Jackson program

ABC News won a bidding war for a British documentary on pop star Michael Jackson, pitting the network against NBC News, which is planning its own “Dateline” special on him.

ABC paid more than $4 million for the ITV1 program, beating out CBS as well as NBC, which thought the British program might enhance its own show. Unlike “Dateline,” ITV1 has extensive access and an interview with the singer, whose odd behavior has been the source of much gossip.

The program, eight months in the making, will air in the U.S. as a two-hour “20/20” on Feb. 7. NBC said its “Dateline” special is still scheduled for Feb. 17, but insiders said the date could be moved up so ABC doesn’t get there first.

NBC insiders said they are happy with their show, even though some of the people NBC planned to interview canceled in protest after NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker announced two weeks ago that the program was going to focus on Jackson’s face.

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Elizabeth Jensen