MUMBAI: Star World will air a 90-minute live ceremony telecast of the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service on Tuesday, 7 July at 10.30 PM. Millions are expected to tune in to this historic event which will take place at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

An official statement from the Jackson family stated, It was our wish to allow as many as Michael's fans to be part of the memorial, and we wish to thank everyone for their support and understanding at this difficult time....

Ken Sunshine, a spokesman for the Jackson family, said the public memorial will reflect the wishes of the family.... Participants in the ceremony include Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder.

Over 1.6 million fans from around the world registered online for the 17,500 free tickets that were made available to the public. Only 11,000 selected registrants will be allowed into the Staples Center while the remaining 6,500 will watch a simulcast from the nearby Nokia Theatre. Tourist organizations expect up to 750,000 people to arrive in Los Angeles to pay their last respects to the King of Pop.

Besides Star World, MTV and VH1 will also honor Michael Jackson's life and legacy with extended coverage of the �King of Pop's' Public Memorial service beginning 12:00 pm ET / 9:00 am PT. The music channels will go LIVE and commercial free for Jackson's memorial service taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway will be reporting.

Additionally, on 1st August, MTV's 28th birthday, the �M' in MTV will stand for �Michael Jackson TV' as the network kicks off a global celebration of his music, reaching more than a half billion households in over 160 countries around the world.