In case you didn't realize it, yellow journalism is alive and well; it's just that since we no longer rely on newspapers for our news, the name has been changed, to protect the guilty.
There was a time not too long ago, when gathering and printing news was an honorable profession, when publishers and editors cherished the opportunity to land a journalist who knew the trade and enjoyed a reputation of honest journalism. But those days have passed.
A little background before we get into the meat of the current problem. In 1898, newspapers provided the major source of news in America. At this time, it was common practice for a newspaper to report the editor's interpretation of the news rather than objective journalism.
If the information reported was inaccurate or biased, the American public had little means for verification and with this sort of influence newspapers wielded a great deal of political power. In order to increase circulation, publishers of these papers often exploited their position by sponsoring a flamboyant and irresponsible approach to news reporting that became known as "yellow journalism."
Though the term was originally coined to describe the journalistic practices of Joseph Pulitzer ( The New York World), William Randolph Hearst ( The New York Journal) proved himself worthy of the title too.
Yellow journalism, in short, is biased opinion masquerading as objective fact. Moreover, the practice of yellow journalism involved sensationalism, distorted stories, and misleading images for the sole purpose of boosting newspaper sales and exciting public opinion.
It all started, some historians believe, with the onset of the rapid industrialization that was happening all around the world. The Industrial Revolution eventually affected the newspaper industry, allowing newspapers access to machines that could easily print thousands of papers in a single night. This is believed to have brought into play one of the most important characteristics of yellow journalism - the endless drive for circulation; and unfortunately, the publisher's greed was very often put before ethics.
Sadly though, this period of sensationalist news delivery (where the so-called yellow press routinely outsold the more honest, truthful, unbiased newspapers) does stand out as a particularly dark era in journalistic history.
The demand of the United States people for absolutely free press allowed such newspapers, which often appealed to the shorter attention spans and interests of the lower class, to print whatever they so desired. This means that they could easily steal a headline and story directly from another paper, or simply fabricate a story to fit their particular agenda.
Over a period of time ethics and professionalism entered the picture, and yellow journalism died down. Lawsuits involving libel, slander, malice and freedoms of reporting, sorted out the entire mess and made clear the lines for reporters not to cross.
Columnists could cross those lines, but they never claimed they were journalists. But things have changed very quickly and we have gone backwards.
Now, some people reporting the news want to be larger than their own story. In turn they have become legends in their own mind.
Today yellow journalism is evident on Cable TV and talk radio. It pretends to be legitimate sources of news and yellow journalism is making a comeback with a vengeance.
When explaining the short comings of Obama, MSNBC and CNN reporters" play to their liberal crowd using the mantra, "Well Bush did it too, or Bush did it first, and Bush did it bigger, Bush" Everything is former President Bush's fault. But that's what the liberals want to hear.
Their new mantra is everybody who disagrees with Obama and/or his policies are racist. No wiggle room they even enlist former President Jimmy Carter to do their bidding. This is not a way to unite or heal a nation. This is manufactured sound bites and these bobbing heads are entertainers and should not be considered "news" sources.
While at Fox Cable News, they modernly present catchy headlines, humorous comic strips, special interest announcements, and intrusive investigative reporting, to serve as a constant reminder that one must always stay skeptical when examining the Obama administration. Fox has an agenda and it should not be associated with any "news" gathering.
Distorting not reporting is the newest "yellow journalism" tag being offered to the CNN viewers, when they compare their reporting to the "Fair and Balanced" news station.
"If it bleeds it leads" seems to be the standard "yellow journalism" at Fox. Only the most sensational is to be covered and occupy the prime space.
"The best political team on TV" is the epitome on CNN to let their viewers know they are on top of things when it comes to political coverage.
While "The Spin Stops Here" is an overused statement used to define only the facts not hype that is presented on O'Reilly at Fox.
What is the remedy to yellow journalism? Simply put, you need to double-and triple-check one's sources. If one disregards the obvious marketing that is used to hook viewers, Cable TV may ultimately prove to be reliable source of information.
You can spot yellow journalism in terms of four characteristics; whether its in the print, television or talk radio arena: (a) scare circus headlines in huge print or verbal announcements, often about minor news; (b) lavish use of pictures, or imaginary drawings; (c) use of fake interviews, misleading headlines, pseudo-science, or a parade of false learning from so-called politicaal experts; (d) dramatic sympathy with the "underdog" against the system.
I also question when I see a promo on main stream television (ABC, CBS or NBC) informing viewers about a huge breaking news story, without telling them about the story, but the film will be shown at 11:00 pm.
When you have 24 hours a day, seven days a week of airtime to fill; you have to expect a breakdown. Yes, yellow journalism has returned.
JP Bender is a retired award winning investigative reporter with 35 years experience in the profession. He now spends his retirement living in Maryland with his children and grandchildren. He still reports on issues of national interest, while his peers claim he does not fully understand the meaning of the word“retired.”
You did a great job of defining yellow journalism and gave us great examples of what it looks like and how to spot it. Your article is clearly opinionated and I am interested to know where you're finding "real" news and/or how to go about double-checking, specifically.
Good question - and unfortunately I don't have the complete answer, other than question everything that is presented and as a writter don't repeat anything that you don't know is accurate.
Wow, JP! Makes me think back to the days when journalism was actually reporting the news. It appears that the reporter who "sticks to the facts" is becoming obsolete. I suppose adding a bit of sensationalism gets the blood flowing, inciting us to riot. I've overheard more debates (i.e. arguments) arise from viewers after reporters have given their take on the news. Who says I have to eat pizza before bed to have a nightmare? Just watch an hour of a televised news program before bed . . . same effect.
I agree. I don't think what we see on news shows is news anymore, but opinion pieces. I would say, however, it appears to me that Fox news shows seem to have more to back up their stories where shows like the ones I see on MSNBC just seem to be on a character assassination mission.
Unfortunately sensationalism overtook true reporting many years ago in the name of the almighty dollar, in all forms of media. It used to be that radio continued the tradition of true reporting, but even that has succumbed & dumbed down to cater for the unintelligent.
Great article, JP. I was expecting a reference to Nancy Grace, though.
Your article reminded me of when Chaney shot his hunting buddy. At the time my wife worked at a doctors office across the street from the hospital where the "victim" was being treated.
I had never before seen a media frenzy like that, not ever. Dozens of trucks and satellite uplinks- pathetic.
It makes me sad how people are so willing to be duped just to get a thrill.
JP, all I can say is: "WOW". Not 'mom' upside down, but an expression of wonderment (smile). I didn't know about this term, and now, I'm wondering if I ever used this method when being "very" passionate and opinionated on certain subjects I've covered while working for a newspaper.
"When explaining the short comings of Obama, MSNBC and CNN reporters" play to their liberal crowd using the mantra, "Well Bush did it too, or Bush did it first, and Bush did it bigger, Bush" Everything is former President Bush's fault. But that's what the liberals want to hear."
Now, wait a second. You criticize MSNBC because you say they label anybody who criticizes Obama "racist." No wiggle room, you cry! Yet, we give Bush a free pass for basically destroying the Constitution leading us into the biggest depression since the Great Depression because that was "in the past"???
Obama inherited this mess, he didn't make it. Let's hear more about why Blackwater Security and Haliburton got gazillions in Federal funding, rather than why five out of 800 ACORN (an organization that got only $2 Millikon a year) agents were idiots.
Speaking of ACORN, when is FOX going to air the video recordings where at least two of the ACORN agents that didn't bite actually called the police on the fake pimp and prostitute? No, they won't. They won't because FOX is not fair, and certainly not balanced.
Thanks Teresa for you confidence in my reporting. I don't think Rex, the guy above you quite agrees. But that is why Baskin Robbins has so many flavors to choose from. JP
Excellent article Mr. Bender and very factual. I am a conservative and I watch Fox News, but some of them take their ridicule a lttle too far. Just telling it like it is seems to be a thing of the past, in most cases.
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