Yellow Journalism

Definition

Yellow Journalism refers to sensationalist journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales. Techniques may include exaggerations, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.

Related terms

Pulitzer Prize: An award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature and musical composition within the United States. Named after Joseph Pulitzer who was known for his role in leading sensational "yellow" journalism.

Hearst Corporation: An American mass media company founded by William Randolph Hearst which became famous for its brand of sensationalistic newspapers.

Muckraking Journalism: The action of searching out and publicizing scandalous information about famous people in an underhanded way.