hit-pieces
Journalistic attacks published
Hit-pieces are articles or reports designed to damage someone's reputation rather than inform.
The term implies biased, one-sided coverage that cherry-picks unflattering details while ignoring context: The tabloid ran a series of hit-pieces on the candidate.
Often used to dismiss critical journalism as partisan attack.
Spread or defame
- attackAggressive act against another
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
defamation · character assassination · mudslinging · takedown · negative press · slander · libel · hatchet job
Organized effort toward goal
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
- rivalsThose who compete
- leakedEscaped through opening
- donorsPeople who give gifts
PAC · attack ads · spin · talking points · surrogates · October surprise · dirty tricks · negative campaigning
Spreading quickly online
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- trollsDeliberate online agitators
- hashtagLabeled link for posts
trending · cancel culture · online mob · pile-on · doxxing · screenshots · receipts · ratio
smear
Spread or defame
- attackAggressive act against another
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
scandal · defamation · character assassination · mudslinging · takedown · negative press · slander · libel · hatchet job · propaganda
campaign
Organized effort toward goal
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
- rivalsThose who compete
- leakedEscaped through opening
donors · PAC · attack ads · spin · talking points · surrogates · October surprise · dirty tricks · negative campaigning · smear campaign
viral
Spreading quickly online
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- trollsDeliberate online agitators
hashtag · trending · cancel culture · online mob · pile-on · doxxing · screenshots · receipts · ratio · influencer
hit-piecespuff pieces
Uncritical promotional writing
fluff pieces · hagiographies · press releases · advertorials · endorsements
hit-pieceslove letters
Romantic written messages
tributes · panegyrics · encomiums · eulogies · accolades
hit-piecesbalanced reporting
Journalism showing multiple viewpoints
fair coverage · responsible journalism · investigative journalism
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