Yellow journalism is a term used to describe sensationalist and exaggerated news reporting. The spelling of this word may seem strange, but it is actually derived from a popular comic strip character from the late 1800s named The Yellow Kid. In IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of yellow would be /ˈjɛloʊ/ and journalism would be /ˈdʒɜrnəˌlɪzəm/. Together, yellow journalism is pronounced as /ˈjɛloʊ ˈdʒɜrnəlɪzəm/.
Yellow journalism is a term used to describe a style of journalism that prioritizes sensationalism, exaggeration, and distortion of news stories in an effort to attract readers and increase sales. This practice emphasizes eye-catching headlines, scandalous and provocative images, and the inclusion of rumors or unverified information to capture public attention. Yellow journalism aims to create a strong emotional response from readers, often exploiting public fears or concerns.
Originating in the late 19th century, yellow journalism gained prominence with the rise of mass media and increased competition amongst newspapers. It typically involves the deliberate use of misleading or inaccurate information, as well as the manipulation of facts to present a particular viewpoint or to serve the interests of the newspaper or its owners. Yellow journalists tend to prioritize attracting readership over objective reporting, often at the expense of truth and ethical standards.
Yellow journalism is often associated with unethical practices, such as publishing sensational stories without proper verification, engaging in aggressive and biased reporting, and manipulating public opinion for personal or political gain. The term "yellow" is thought to come from the use of yellow ink and illustrations on the front pages of these newspapers to grab attention.
In contemporary times, while the phenomenon may have evolved, yellow journalism remains a cautionary term to critique media outlets that prioritize sensation and controversy over accuracy and responsible reporting, disregarding the principles of objectivity and integrity.
The term "yellow journalism" originated in the late 19th century and is derived from "yellow kid journalism". The phrase was coined in reference to a popular cartoon character called the "Yellow Kid", created by Richard F. Outcault. The Yellow Kid featured in the newspaper comic strip "Hogan's Alley", which circulated in both The New York World and The New York Journal at the time. These newspapers, owned by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst respectively, were engaged in a fierce circulation war.
The Yellow Kid character wore a distinctive yellow nightshirt and became famous among readers. As the competition between the two newspapers escalated, the term "yellow journalism" emerged to describe the sensationalist and often exaggerated style of reporting employed by Pulitzer's New York World and Hearst's New York Journal. The phrase gained traction and soon became associated with other similar practices in the press.