What does "sensationalism" refer to in journalism?

• A. Reporting that exaggerates or distorts facts to attract attention
• B. The practice of making news more factual
• C. Reporting that includes multiple perspectives
• D. A method of verifying sources

Answer: (A)

Sensationalism in journalism refers to the practice of reporting that exaggerates or distorts facts primarily to attract attention or provoke a strong emotional reaction from the audience. It often involves emphasizing shocking details, dramatizing events, or focusing on salacious aspects of news stories to draw in readers or viewers. This approach can undermine the accuracy and integrity of news reporting, as it prioritizes entertainment value over factual reporting.

Other choices do not align with the definition of sensationalism; making news more factual would counteract sensationalism, while including multiple perspectives is a journalistic approach that leads to more balanced reporting. Verifying sources is a fundamental part of responsible journalism, aimed at ensuring accuracy, which is at odds with the sensationalized presentation of information.