The term tabloid is used in the context of the written press and, by extension, in relation to the media. A newspaper is said to belong to the tabloid press when its informational treatment is based on sensationalism. Thus, sensationalism and sensationalism are equivalent terms and both express the same idea.
In most countries the written press presents two opposing general approaches. A serious press that informs readers rigorously, with truthful and verified information and with professional and ethical criteria. A press that uses a different information strategy; based on shocking news, celebrity scandals, photographs that violate privacy, hoaxes that are presented as authentic news, exaggerated headlines and, ultimately, information aimed at an undemanding audience. Not surprisingly, the tabloid / tabloid strategy aims to sell as many copies as possible.
Two types of press readers
The conventional press and the yellow press have different readers. The reader of a serious newspaper wants to know what is happening around him, in his country and in the world and when he reads his newspaper he expects to be told the truth of the facts without resorting to journalistic tricks or any form of information manipulation. The tabloid reader wants to be entertained and cares much less if the news he reads is distorted or does not respect journalistic codes.
The historical origin of sensationalism
At the end of the 19th century in the United States, the New York World newspaper was experiencing a crisis situation as a result of a significant drop in sales.
By then, the newspaper was acquired by Joseph Pullitzer, who launched a clearly sensationalist journalistic approach. His innovative news approach was a success and the New York World outperformed its financial situation.
Before long, other newspapers followed Pullitzer, and the sensationalism became a journalistic phenomenon. In that context there was a fictional character that appeared in some comic strips, the yellow kid. This character was funny for his striking yellow shirt and, above all, for a marginal and vulgar way of expressing himself. The yellow boy became so popular that soon there was talk of a yellow press.
Photos: Fotolia - goodluz / ra2 studio
