Jackson had his say, but was it done right?

Tim RUTTEN’S condemnation of CBS and “60 Minutes” for its paid interview of Michael Jackson (“At CBS: Ethics for Sale?” Dec. 31) neglects to mention a couple of notable facts.

One, the public wants to hear Jackson’s story in his own words. Whether a man who owns the publishing rights to the Beatles’ songbook really needs a few extra bucks is beside the point. Second, and most important, Rutten fails to give credit where it’s due: “60 Minutes” is still a show where occasionally great journalism takes place. That’s a rare thing on television these days. Before stating that CBS sold out its ethics for airing an interview of general interest, Rutten should familiarize himself with what “60 Minutes” still provides that is not provided by anyone else in the popular media.

Jim Houghton

Encino

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Chris ENDER of CBS refutes allegations that the network paid Michael Jackson for his interview on “60 Minutes” by explaining that Jackson’s representatives were told that CBS Entertainment wouldn’t air his special unless he addressed the situation on a CBS News program.

So they didn’t pay him for the interview, they blackmailed him. No ethical problem here -- so there, Tim Rutten.

Mike Belson

Studio City