Yellow Journalism???

Question

Does it still exist today? Why or why not?

I think it still does, I just can't explain it. Can anyone tell me how it still exist?

Answer 1

In the Wikipedia article on the subject, one sees yellow journalism defined as follows:

"Yellow journalism is a pejorative reference to journalism that features scandal-mongering, sensationalism, or other unethical or unprofessional practices by news media organizations or journalists. It has been loosely defined as 'not quite libel'."

I consider that definition reasonable. This being said, plainly today's news is precisely yellow journalism. Sensational stories are featured in news broadcasts nationwide (and probably worldwide) so as to attract market share. As it is said, "If it bleeds, it leads."

This is not to say yellow journalism is altogether evil, for accurate reporting of sensationalistic stories has its place in society. The problem is that the reporting of extreme cases at the expense of everyday occurrences gives some the impression that the rare is the common and the common is the rare. Thus, when we watch the news today, we must account for its sensationalistic bias in what is covered.

There come times when yellow journalism crosses lines, however. It is to be expected that news stories that are titillating will receive more coverage than those that are not. Unfortunately, in modern times, stories become newsworthy simply because they are titillating, and that is unfortunate, for all this does is appeal to the basest instincts of our nature. That there are more people in this country who can identify Paris Hilton than Dick Cheney is a testament to this problem.

Further, yellow journalism involves improper invasions into private lives. Paparazzi chase down public figures in a way that is often unsafe and surely shows little respect for the simple desire to lead a life with some time to themselves. One need not think hard to find an instance where this conduct proved disastrous, as we are now merely ten years past the death of Princess Diana, the victim of a car accident that, but for paparazzi involvement, likely would not have occurred.

We should watch news to be informed, not titillated. One can get their jollies in any number of ways, but free society depends on an informed electorate, and this depends solely on the accurate reporting of news events by the media. Thomas Jefferson commented that a government without newspapers is not to be preferred over newspapers without government. This statement is a commentary on how free societies work, and more importantly, how they can easily fail to work. This, in my view, is what is happening today.

Thanks for the question.

Answer 2

Oh how I agree with the others. Are tabloids selling and a newspaper is not? Is that how this has come to be? I know a lot of newspapers are going under due to the news channels on the internet, TV (which for some unknown reason will spend 4 hours watching a speeding car, and the same scene is on the previously sound newscasts). It seems to be a lot like any advertisement is better than none at all. Is the entire world interested in the private lives of celebrities? I'm not, couldn't care less. I want to know about the economy and new crisis in the world; and yes, I would love to read a paper that has actually been edited by someone who understands the basics of grammar .. or even a little bit more. I no longer take a newspaper; it will be on TV or streaming across my PC when I log in, and it will be more accurate and probably spelled and edited correctly. I am an editor, so this really bugs me.

Answer 3

Most major newspapers do not condone "Yellow Journalism" at all (with the exceptions of editorial sections). The point of newspapers is to relay the news, not the columnist's opinion on the subject they are reporting. It takes a while to decipher which reporters use blatant objectivity in their writing and which are trying to leak subjectivity into their articles.
Remaining a sense of objectivity is extremely difficult with highly controversial matters (in a sense, anything have to deal with politics). This is why when articles are written they are reviewed by editors before going to print. The editor's job is to maintain a consistent level of objectivity in every piece that is published. Papers like the Times, Post, Tribune and other highly circulated newspapers know this and save subjectivity strictly for editorials.

Just my humble opinion, but I always read different newspapers reporting on the same issue, just to make sure that the facts are the same.

Answer 4

Does Yellow Journalism Exist Today

Answer 5

many of the tabloids can be considered yellow journalism, i think.

Answer 6

just think of the tabloids and papparazzi invading on some of these celebs lifestyles. I mean do they have to report every little thing brittney spears does?

Answer 7

Pink-sheeted stocks!!!

Oh . . . we're not just giving shout-outs to colorful expressions? My bad! ;)

Answer 8

huh?