Television cameras will be allowed to capture the scene of involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor next month as long as they do not interfere with proceedings, a judge has ruled.

Los Angeles Superior Court judge Michael Pastor also moved forward the date of Dr Conrad Murray's trial by four days to March 24, when jury selection will begin. The trial is likely to last about six weeks, lawyers for both sides say. Murray was with Jackson at his rented LA mansion on the morning he died - June 25, 2009.

He has confessed giving the 50-year-old singer the powerful anesthetic, propofol, as a sleep aid while he was rehearsing for a series of planned comeback concerts in London. Coroners ruled Jackson's death was caused by an overdose of propofol and a cocktail of sedatives. Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and is free on bail. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as unintentional killing without malice and is a lesser charge than murder. Judge Pastor said he wants the "absolute least intrusive placement" of a TV camera in the courtroom and he has sought detailed proposals from local news crews. He also has blocked jury selection from being broadcasted.

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