Muckraking v. Yellow Journalism

Teddy Roosevelt: the man who coined the term Muckracker

Muckraking and yellow journalism are two of the most prominent forms of publications in modern media. Pioneered at the turn of the 19th century, muckraking and yellow journalism have long defined the ways in which people received their news and information.

Muckraking is essentially the art of scandal. Muckrakers deliberately investigate and articulate information necessary to create a scandal and sell papers. By today's standards, one could make the argument that the modern media participates in muckraking journalism (Nieman).

A term coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, muckraking has toppled presidencies, ruined political careers, and waged war on foreign enemies. But it has also brought forth necessary change and progress. Muckraking often times will shed light on industry malpractice and deep rooted corruption (Khan Academy).

A cartoon depicting Pulitzer and Hearst, 1898

Yellow journalism is yet another form of journalistic malpractice. This is the act of publishing or poorly researched information under the rouse of being called news.

Prominent at the turn of the 19th century, yellow journalism was revolutionized by journalists Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. Victims of their time, Pulitzer and Heart would publish damning headlines and articles that would not hold the most accurate or relative information. 

Due to the lack of technology and other communication methods, many journalists relied on correspondence from individual to individual. Word of mouth journalism or interstate journalism without the ability to utilize modern technology made it difficult for journalists to print the most accurate and honest information (History). 

Most individuals would find this type of journalism to be bad. Both use a type of sensationalized media to sell their product. This leads to fake narratives and false information used to enflame tension between groups of people. Other individuals who would not like this type of journalistic practices would be individuals who are into shady dealings; such as John D. Rockefeller of Standard Oil Company who was taken down by journalist Ida Tarbell.

When responsibly practiced, both of these methods can prove crucial to ensuring the press offers a transparent and honest news source. Muckraking can expose fraud, corruption, and crime by powerful people or organizations. Yellow journalism can unite a country behind a common enemy; much like occurred in the 1898 Spanish-American war.

Journalists are responsible for guiding public opinion and political narratives. This is a massive obligation that should be taken as serious as possible. Using these two very different methods can create lasting progress and change but it can also ruin credibility of media sources. Many could, and do, argue that the current state of the mainstream media is in direct correlation with the improper use of muckraking and yellow journalism.

History Channel | Yellow Journalism :: Link

Khan Academy | Muckraking :: Link

Nieman Reports | Yellow Journalism :: Link