Yellow journalism is a style of reporting in which sensationalism is emphasized over facts. Much of its history leads back to being the cause of the rise of much international conflict, especially in the war of Cuba and the sinking of the U.S. battleship the Maine.
Today, yellow journalism is used a lot to attract attention from readers. It’s used especially in celebrity news, but has also been used with bigger issues such as Ebola.
Photo courtesy of Bloomburg
Yellow journalism uses some intense exaggeration in order to catch attention to make readers look further into the piece of news. For example, in the above image from Bloomburg, the text “Ebola is coming” is shown in what appears to be blood. In smaller letters below, the text says, “The U.S. had a change to stop the virus in its tracks. It missed.” Ultimately, this form of journalism makes Ebola seem like some kind of zombie apocalypse ready to take over America.
Celebrities are a favorite target for yellow journalism, just because their lives are so prolific already. The Kardashians are a favorite. On a cover for InTouch Weekly, Kim Kardashian was used, with the magazine claiming that her dress didn’t fit, and also showing a fake photo.
Photo courtesy of InTouch Weekly
Aside from Kim being the main part of the cover, nine other celebrities are shown as well on the cover, all victims of yellow journalism as well.
Yellow journalism can be found on any newsstand today, as these magazines know that their exaggerated covers will spark attention, no matter how false the information is.
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