scandal sheet
Sensational news publication
A scandal sheet is a newspaper or magazine that specializes in sensational stories about celebrities, politicians, and public figures—emphasizing gossip, affairs, and disgrace over serious journalism.
The term is slightly dated; tabloid now covers much of the same ground.
The scandal sheets had a field day with the mayor's arrest.
Sensationalist newspaper format
- newspaperPrinted periodical of current events
- ragWorn piece of fabric
- broadsheetLarge-format serious newspaper
- gazetteOfficial published journal
periodical · press · print · edition · headline · front page · column · circulation
Unconfirmed circulating story
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
tittle-tattle · dirt · buzz · chatter · slander · libel · talebearer · gossipmonger
Investigative journalism piece
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
- watchdogGuard or monitor
probe · inquiry · accountability · malfeasance · undercover · leaked documents · cover-up · public interest
Spread or defame
- character assassinationDestroying someone's good name
- libelPrinted defamation
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- hit pieceDisparaging article targeting someone
mud-slinging · tarnish · disgrace · infamy · notoriety · rumormonger · whisper campaign · allegation
Reporting prioritizing shock value
- exaggerationOverstating beyond reality
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
- luridShockingly vivid or gruesome
- titillationPleasurable, teasing excitement
shock value · melodrama · inflammatory · provocative · eye-catching · screaming headlines · splashy · graphic
tabloid
Sensationalist newspaper format
- newspaperPrinted periodical of current events
- ragWorn piece of fabric
- broadsheetLarge-format serious newspaper
gazette · periodical · press · print · edition · headline · front page · column · circulation · newsstand
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
innuendo · tittle-tattle · dirt · buzz · chatter · slander · libel · talebearer · gossipmonger · backbiting
exposé
Investigative journalism piece
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
watchdog · probe · inquiry · accountability · malfeasance · undercover · leaked documents · cover-up · public interest · investigative journalism
smear
Spread or defame
- character assassinationDestroying someone's good name
- libelPrinted defamation
- slanderSpoken false defamation
hit piece · mud-slinging · tarnish · disgrace · infamy · notoriety · rumormonger · whisper campaign · allegation · incrimination
yellow journalism
Reporting prioritizing shock value
- exaggerationOverstating beyond reality
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
- luridShockingly vivid or gruesome
titillation · shock value · melodrama · inflammatory · provocative · eye-catching · screaming headlines · splashy · graphic · exploitative
scandal sheetresponsible journalism
Accurate, fair news reporting
ethical journalism · broadsheet · quality press · mainstream media · investigative journalism
scandal sheethard news
Factual, timely journalism
academic journal · trade publication · white paper · wire service · investigative journalism
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