Yellow journalism is "a particular form of sensationalistic and spectacular reporting that feeds upon the gruesome and shocking in life." The Yellow Press began in 1898 when newspaper competition was high. By creating outrageous headlines and bizarre stories customers were drawn to these Yellow Press newspapers. It was attacked by critic because it "emphasized on sex, violence, and crime sprinkled with emotionalism, inaccuracies, and exaggerations."(Andrews) One hundred years later Yellow Journalism still exists in the form of tabloids such as the National Enquirer and Star Magazine.

Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian immigrant, came to America and bought The World from Jay Gould in 1883. He invented Yellow Journalism and used it in this paper, winning over the interests of the American aristocracy. Joseph Pulitzer mixed news coverage with sensationalism, stories of sin, violence, and sex. If there was nothing exciting to print, he would make his own news. Pulitzer, to promote his paper, sent reporter Nelly Bly around the world to beat Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days." To interest people of all ages, he hired cartoonist Richard F. Outcault to draw a comic on an adventurous bad boy, "the Yellow Kid." Yellow Journalism originated from the "Yellow Kid." On February 9, 1898, the New York Journal printed a stolen letter from the Spanish ambassador, Dupuy de Lome. In this letter de Lome called President McKinley, "weak and bitter for the admiration of the crowd" and a "would be politician." This obviously did not help the fact that the United States was on the verge of war with Spain. The Yellow Press papers however did not care since their main concern was in selling papers.

A Yellow Journalism newspaper featuring the headlines of a stolen letter

Many of today's journalists are writing for the sole purpose of profit and pride. They entertain their readers with stories of the rich and famous, and are becoming spokes models for the latest gossip in the media. In a recent issue of Enquirer, Bill Clinton's alleged mistress, Monica Lewinsky, was completely exposed. The article explained the affair between the President and Monica, and contained interview's with Monica's past lovers whom all had nothing good to say about her. Andy Bleir, Monica's old high school teacher whom she supposedly had relations with, claimed Monica told him, "the relationship continued until recently, even after she was transferred out of the White House for a post on the Pentagon."Obviousley the tactica of the Yellow Press have not changed since it is still printing outrageous stories to catch the public's eye. Yellow journalism shows up when unnamed sources give accusations that are not checked for accuracy and rush to be the first to inform the public and be on air, forgetting to confirm the source with a second, and to check the story over and over again to make sure it's true.

President Clinton and alleged mistress Monica Lewinsky (CNN)

Journalism has an obligation to provide the people with accurate, reliable information, and should not invent headlines to lure people into reading their magazine or newspaper. The Yellow Presses were the tabloids of the late 1800's and still exist today. Yet the reason papers are becoming more sensational is because we are becoming more open about issues on violence, sex, and scandals.

Bailey, Thomas A. "Yellow Journalism" The American Spirit. Lexington, MA.: D.C. Heath and Company, 1994. (picture)

Bleiler, Andy. National Enquirer Interview. 28 Jan. 1998.

Boorstin,Kelley. Daniel, Brooks Mather. p.230,463-468.A History of The United States.NewJersey:Prentice Hall,1992

Dumbaugh, Kerry. "Monica Lewinskey." National Enquirer 153 January 1998: 16-17

http://www.cnn.com/US/ (picture of Lewinskey and Clinton)

Menino, Thomas M. "Crime Statistics Announcement" Boston Politics. 1998. URL:

http://www.ci.boston.ma.us/mayoroffice/speaches/crime.statspch.htmll (28 Jan.1998)

Morrison, Wayne. "94002: China-U.S. Relations" Relations with China. 1996. URL:

http://www.clark.net/fas/man/crs/94-002.htm (28 Jan. 1998)

Shuey, Robert. "China-U.U. Relations in the 21st Century" Relations with China. 1998. URL:

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/amassembly/new/phase1.html (28 Jan. 1998)