Can yellow journalism be treated as libel or slander Yellow journalism is false or exaggerated reporting can a journalist doing yellow journalism be sued for slander or libel?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the way US libel and slander laws are written, it is difficult to prove intent. That is, did the journalist know the story was false and intentionally put it out there anyway, in order to defame someone's reputation? Historically, tabloid reporters have always hidden behind the defense of "but we thought it was true, and that's what we were told by our sources." Then they offer to issue an apology or correction. The problem with that is the false story is often on page 1, but the correction is on the last page in tiny little typeface. Tabloids historically have used exaggeration and sensationalism (so-called Yellow Journalism) to sell papers; there seems to be no way to ban that without violating the constitutional protection of freedom of the press in the First Amendment. A reputable and credible journalist relies on documented facts and does not exaggerate. Sadly, some people who call themselves journalists are really not, and they are not bringing honor to the profession, even if they get millions of people to read what they write.