Yellow Journalism

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Yellow journalism is the use of lurid features and sensationalized news in newspaper publishing to attract readers and increase circulation.” When the title of an article bears little connection to its content or when exaggeration colors the facts, readers can be tempted to consume bovine excrement veiled (sometimes even thinly) as legitimate items of interest.

In our complex society, where media competes fiercely for the limited attention of its consumers, yellow journalism enhances the possibility that an article will get some attention.  Writers frequently expound on subjects about which they have little or no knowledge and masquerade as experts when they are little more than charismatic idiots. Even when they are not purposefully trying to deceive readers they succumb to the temptation of trying to build their reputation into something undeserved. There was once a time when journalists adhered to a professional standard that abhorred yellow journalism.  Sadly, that time seems to have passed.

Also, consumers are not entirely blameless victims of this sad state of affairs. The timeless Latin phrase, Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware) applies to media consumption more so these days than ever.  We readily drink the Koolaid of fake and/or sensationalized news with a penchant and participate in its spread with enthusiasm.  Who hasn’t “shared,” “retweeted” or otherwise repeated a sensational story only to find out that it is false or extremely loosely based in fact.

The “Fourth Estate” was once a powerful leg in the foundation of our freedom by standing ready to expose inappropriate behavior in government and society. Editorial opinions were once labeled clearly as such but today are paraded as front-page news even when facts need to be twisted to support the contrived opinion. With the demise of professional integrity among the media, however, whether perpetrated by its insiders or encouraged by an apathetic consumer, our society suffers and we lose the ability to retain the moral fiber that made America great.  If we recognize that we cannot legislate morality amongst media players, we can at least become more informed and responsible consumers.  In the words of the immortal Pogo; “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

KingRAT