News sites used the event as a chance to experiment with methods of getting news out quickly. CNN.com, for example, put a scorecardlike page up ahead of the verdict, with a color-coded system in place to mark “guilty” or “not guilty,” as each juror’s specific decision was read.

But rival MSNBC.com appeared to get the news out first with a breaking news alert at the top of its screen that said simply: “Jury finds Jackson find not guilty of lewd act on child.” —Ina Fried —Cyberspace races to offer Jackson verdict (C|Net News.com)