Yellow journalism is a style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism over facts. It is a term used for journalism and associated newspapers that present little or no legitimate, well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales. Some key characteristics of yellow journalism include:
- Scare headlines in huge print, often of minor news
- Lavish use of pictures, or imaginary drawings
- Use of faked interviews, misleading headlines, pseudoscience, and a parade of false learning from so-called experts
- Emphasis on full-color Sunday supplements, usually with comic strips
Yellow journalism was popular in the late 19th century and was one of many factors that helped push the United States and Spain into war in Cuba and the Philippines, leading to the acquisition of overseas territory by the United States. The term originated in the competition over the New York City newspaper market between major newspaper publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The term "yellow journalism" is used today as a pejorative to decry any journalism that treats news in an unprofessional or unethical fashion.
