Pulitzer & Hearst break ethics to sell newspapers!

Joseph Pulitzer purchased the New York World in 1883 and told his editorial staff to use sensationalism, crusades against corruption. and lavish use of illustrations to boost circulation.

William Randolph purchased the New York Daily in 1885, they engaged in an intense circulation war, at a time when people brought one copy every day from street rival vendors shouting their paper’s headlines. The term “yellow journalism” originated from a comic strip called the yellow kid which was first published in Pulitzer’s New York World then later published in Hearst’s New York Daily.

Yellow Journalism is a reporting style that emphasized sensationalism over facts and it was popular in the 19th century. it was characterized by exaggerated headlines, unverified claims and partisan agendas.

Yellow Journalism caused the Spanish — American War by reporting sensationalism stories about what was going on in Cuba. Hearst sent a artist to Cuba He sent a telegram saying everything is calm over here in Cuba but Hearst stated that if he send me some pictures he’ll furnish the war. On February 15. 1889 a United States Navy battleship exploded and sank in Havana Harbor. Hearst and Pulitzer saw this as an opportunity to make money and they didn’t care if the information was true or not.