A potentially explosive alignment of the planets is shaping up which could send news networks the world over into even more of a frenzy than usual.

A judge in Santa Barbara County, California has set the tentative start date for the Michael Jackson child molestation case for September 13th.

He has also made clear that he intends to make it as difficult as possible for either side to postpone the trial.

Let's assume the trial lasts at least six weeks....that takes us perilously close to the US election date of November 2nd.

The controversy in 1995 over whether the BBC should have led its bulletins with Tony Blair's speech to the Labour conference or the OJ Simpson verdict will seem trifling in comparison to the troublesome editorial decisions that could lie ahead.

The pundits, meanwhile, are sure to have plenty to say about whether an election overshadowed by a high-profile celebrity trial will benefit Bush or Kerry.