In the context of mass media and press history, the term ‘‘Yellow Journalism’’ refers to which kind of newspaper reporting?

Introduction / Context:
Media studies and general knowledge syllabi frequently include the term Yellow Journalism because it marks an important phase in the history of newspapers, especially in the United States. Understanding this term helps students recognise different styles of news reporting and the ethical issues associated with sensational media coverage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term used is Yellow Journalism.
• We are asked what kind of reporting this phrase refers to.
• We assume standard definitions from media and communication studies.
• No specific dates, names of publishers, or newspapers are required to answer.

Concept / Approach:
Yellow Journalism refers to a style of newspaper reporting that emphasises sensational headlines, exaggerated stories, scandals, and emotional appeals rather than balanced and verified facts. It often sacrifices accuracy and ethics in order to increase circulation and attract public attention. This style of journalism is associated with competition between large newspapers that used bold front page illustrations and dramatic language to win readers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key term Yellow Journalism and recall its association with sensational news.Step 2: Remember that this style often exaggerates events, uses misleading headlines, and sometimes spreads rumours or half truths.Step 3: Compare the options. Option C describes sensational, exaggerated, and often unethical reporting used mainly to attract readers, which matches the concept.Step 4: Option A, responsible investigative reporting, is the opposite of Yellow Journalism because it relies on careful fact checking.Step 5: Options B, D, and E describe neutral, scientific, or minimalist reporting styles that do not fit the historical meaning of Yellow Journalism.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard media history texts describe Yellow Journalism as a period of extremely sensational news coverage, especially in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, where some newspapers used dramatic headlines and exaggerated stories to increase their readership. They criticise this style for its lack of ethical standards and its tendency to mislead the public. This evidence reinforces that option C provides the correct description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A represents high quality, fact based investigative journalism, which aims at uncovering truth, not at sensationalism. Option B describes objective reporting, which tries to avoid bias and emotion, again the opposite of Yellow Journalism. Option D, scientific and technical reporting, focuses on data and is usually conservative in tone. Option E, minimalist short summaries, may be concise but is not necessarily sensational. None of these match the unethical, exaggerated style implied by Yellow Journalism.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Yellow Journalism with investigative journalism simply because both can involve dramatic stories. However, investigative journalism is grounded in careful research and evidence, while Yellow Journalism prioritises shock value even at the cost of accuracy. Another mistake is to think the word yellow relates to printing colour or page layout, but in fact it symbolises sensationalism and low standards. Recognising this helps in choosing the correct description in multiple choice questions.

Final Answer:
The term Yellow Journalism refers to Sensational, exaggerated, and often unethical reporting to attract readers rather than balanced factual news coverage.