Yellow Journalism and Freedom of Speech in Bangladesh
- Freedom of Expression
Introduction about Yellow journalism:
Yellow journalism is a form of sensationalized grotesquely dramatized over hyped form of
reporting that intended to appeal to the reader’s emotion in a direct manner. Publication and
practitioners of yellow journalism throw all principle of balanced fair and objecting reporting out
of the window. Yellow journalism is not inquisitive investigative or makes you curious in any
intellectual way. It is supposed to make you suspend intelligence and invest in the story
emotionally leading you eventually to make decisions that are emotionally charged.
The term Yellow journalism came from a popular New York comic called Hogan’s Alley which
featured a yellow dressed character named the yellow kid. Yellow journalism is a kind of
journalism where the news is published without any proof. The main aim of yellow journalism is
to gather the attention of people in society. Hearst’s is called the father of yellow journalism. His
powerful articles pushed many Americans towards war with Spain. As the government is moving
to one party state, the freedom of the press, the publications and freedom of expression is
decreasing. And as these things are decreasing yellow journalism. Fake news and fake
publications are increasing.
Researched by
Anannya Paul
2311044
Definition of Yellow Journalism:
Yellow journalism or the yellow press is a type of journalism that does not report much real
news with facts rather emphasizes sensationalism and lurid exaggeration to attract readers. It is
generally considered to be unethical and detrimental to the principles of responsible and
unbiased journalism. According to Oxford Dictionary, “the type of journalism that relies on
sensationalism and lurid exaggeration to attract readers.” The term "yellow journalism" was
coined in the late 19th century to describe the tactics employed in the fierce competition between
two New York City newspapers, the World and the Journal, both of which were owned by
wealthy and powerful publishers. Joseph Pulitzer of the World and William Randolph Hearst of
the Journal used every trick in the book to boost circulation, including publishing sensationalized
stories about crimes, scandals, and wars. Today, yellow journalism is still around, although it is
not as common as it was in the late 19th century. It can be found in tabloids and other
publications that focus on sensationalized stories. Yellow journalism can also be found on the
internet, in the form of clickbait articles and other types of content that are designed to generate
traffic and clicks. Yellow journalism, in short, means biased opinion camouflaged as objective
fact.
Researched by
Soumen Sarkar
Registration number: 23111026
Historical Background:
Today, the phrase "yellow journalism" is used as a term to criticize any journalism that handles
news in an unethical or unprofessional manner. The expression was created in the 1890s to
characterize the strategies used in the fierce rivalry between two New York City newspapers,
The New York World and The New York Journal.
The Republican Party, which was the political party of the Union throughout the US Civil War
(1861–65), dominated national politics after the conflict. Newspapers in metropolitan areas
shifted from being partisan party-based to becoming more populist-focused. As literacy rates
continued to rise, publications could succeed by targeting the middle class rather than the
wealthy. As a result, during the Gilded Age (late 1860s–1890s), journalism shifted its emphasis
to uncovering the corruption of the wealthy and powerful figures.
The New York World was bought by Joseph Pulitzer in 1883. He started using colorful,
sensational reporting in vivid, dramatic detail and fought against political corruption and social
injustice and he soon had the highest daily circulation in the nation. When William Randolph
Hearst settled in New York City and acquired The New York Journal then The New York
Worlds supremacy was challenged. Hearst quickly established his intentions to surpass his rivals
in sensationalism, crusades, and Sunday features. Then Richard F. Outcault, a cartoonist who
had drawn an immensely popular comic picture series, The Yellow Kid, for The New York
Journal.After Outcault’s defection, the comic was drawn for The New York World by George B.
Luks, and the two rival picture series excited so much attention that the competition between the
two newspapers came to be described as “yellow journalism”. From above we get to know
about the history of yellow journalism. Now we are going to look at some examples of yellow
journalism:
1. During the late 1800s, prominent newspapers like the New York Journal and the New York
World engaged in exaggerated reporting to influence public opinion regarding the Spanish-
American War.1
2. In 1898, Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World published a story about a Cuban rebellion that
included a letter from a Spanish official that was later found to be fake.
3. In 1895, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal published a series of articles about
conditions in Cuba that were later found to be exaggerated and sensationalized.2
4. In 1896, Hearst’s San Francisco Examiner published a story about a Chinese plan to invade
the United States that was later found to be false.2
The era of yellow journalism may be said to have ended shortly after the turn of the 20th century,
with the World’s gradual retirement from the competition in sensationalism. However, other
methods used during the yellow journalism era, such as banner headlines, coloredcomics, and
extensive illustration, were more or less permanent and widely used. Many of the sensationalistic
tactics of yellow journalism grew more prevalent in other media, most notably television and the
Internet.
References:
1. Examples of Yellow Journalism in History and Today, at
https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/yellow-journalism- examples, last visited on 6
October,2023.
2. What is Yellow Journalism - 7 Examples You Should Know, at
https://www.imaginated.com/blog/yellow-journalism/, last visited on 6 October,2023.
3. Yellow journalism | Definition, History, & Facts, at
https://www.britannica.com/topic/yellowjournalism, , last visited on 6 October,2023.
Researched by
Sadman Shakib Prantor
Reg: 2311100
Classification of Yellow Journalism:
1. Sensationalism: This involves exaggerating or sensationalizing news stories to grab attention.
It often focuses on emotionally charged or dramatic aspects of events.
2. Misleading Headlines: Yellow journalism may use misleading headlines that don't accurately
represent the content of the story, leading readers to form incorrect impressions.
3. Use of Scare Tactics: Yellow journalism sometimes employs fear-mongering and alarmist
language to captivate the audience.
4. Conflict and Controversy: Stories that emphasize conflict and controversy over factual
reporting are common in yellow journalism.
5. Personal Attacks: It may involve personal attacks on individuals or public figures, often in a
derogatory or defamatory manner.
6. Historical Context: Yellow journalism originated in the late 19th century in the United States.
It was associated with newspapers like William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal and Joseph
Pulitzer's New York World. They used sensationalism to boost circulation during the era of
intense newspaper competition.
7. Impact on Society: Yellow journalism can have significant societal impacts. It can shape
public opinion, create panic, and contribute to misinformation or misunderstanding of important
events. The Spanish-American War in 1898 is often cited as an example where yellow
journalism played a role in influencing public sentiment.
8. Modern Examples: While the term "yellow journalism" may not be as commonly used today,
the principles behind it still exist. Sensationalized news stories, clickbait headlines, and the
pursuit of higher ratings or website traffic can lead to similar practices in modern media.
Freedom of Speech in Bangladesh:
Classification of Freedom of Speech in Bangladesh:
1. Constitutional Rights: Bangladesh's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression
as a fundamental right.
2. Legal Restrictions: Despite constitutional guarantees, there have been legal restrictions on
freedom of speech in Bangladesh, including laws related to defamation, blasphemy, and national
security.
3. Media Freedom: The freedom of the press is an essential aspect. It includes the ability of
journalists to report without fear of censorship or reprisals.
4. Challenges and Controversies: The topic can be classified based on specific challenges and
controversies, such as censorship of media outlets, attacks on journalists, or debates over online
content regulation.
5. International Perspectives: Bangladesh's freedom of speech can also be analyzed from an
international perspective, considering how it aligns with global standards and agreements on free
expression.
6. Historical Background: Bangladesh's struggle for independence in 1971 was closely linked to
the fight for freedom of speech and self-expression. The country's founding leaders emphasized
the importance of these rights.
7. Legal Framework: Bangladesh's constitution (Article 39) explicitly guarantees freedom of
speech and expression, subject to certain reasonable restrictions. However, laws like the Digital
Security Act have been criticized for potentially limiting this freedom.
8. Media Landscape: Bangladesh has a vibrant media landscape with numerous newspapers, TV
channels, and online outlets. Journalists in the country have played a critical role in reporting on
social and political issues.
9. Challenges: Challenges to freedom of speech in Bangladesh include instances of media
censorship, attacks on journalists, and the use of defamation and sedition laws against
individuals critical of the government.
9. Online Freedom: In recent years, there have been debates over online freedom of speech and
regulation of social media platforms, with concerns about potential restrictions on digital
expression.
10. International Scrutiny: Bangladesh's record on freedom of speech has been subject to
international scrutiny and criticism from organizations like reporters without borders and human
rights.
Researched by
MD. LABIB HOSSAIN
REGISTRATION: 23111049
Law about Yellow Journalism and Freedom of Expression:
Digital Security Act, 2018
The Digital Security Act (DSA), 2018 is one of the most controversial press laws in Bangladesh.
The goal of this law is to make provisions for ensuring digital security and identification,
prevention, suppression, and trial of offences committed through digital devices. In section 28of
the DSA, it is stated that if anybody and/or any organization publish anything in any electronic
format that might hurt someone’s religious values or sentiments, it will be considered a
punishable offense under this law. The punishment contains both jail time and financial
penalties.
Similarly, in section 29, the publication of defamatory information on websites or any other
electronic format is another offense based on section 499 of the Penal Code. The punishment is
ending up in jail for a maximum of three years and paying taka three lac.
According to section 32 of this law, breaching the secrecy of the government by means of digital
device is another punishable offense under the Official Secrets Act of 1923. The law gives the
power to legislative forces to seize, search, and arrest even without a warrant.
Right to Information Act, 2009
The Right to Information Act (RTI) is a kind of act where the people practice power on the
authority of the state. The aim of this law is to help ensure the enactment of section 39 of the
constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The act ensures that the people of Bangladesh have access to the information of governmental
organizations, as the right to information is regarded as a basic right by the United States.
Everything deems to be all right with this act until the restrictions on specific information come
into play.
According to section 7, publications of or providing certain types of information are not
mandatory. These include any such information that causes a threat to the security of the country,
affects the foreign policy or enforcement of the laws, etc.
What makes the act more unreliable is its section 32, where some law-enforcement organizations
and institutions are given the freedom of not disclosing information to anybody.
These organizations are National Security Intelligence (NSI), Directorate General Forces
Intelligence (DGFI), Defence Intelligence Units, Criminal Investigation Department (CID),
Bangladesh Police, Special Security Force (SSF), Intelligence Cell of the National Board of
Revenue, Special Branch, Bangladesh Police, Intelligence Cell of Rapid Action Battalion.
The Printing Presses & Publication Act, 1973
The act requires licensing for the newspapers and periodicals from the government. According to
this act, without a license or registration forms, the right to publish a newspaper can be canceled
by the district magistrates. Without registration, a newspaper owner or publisher is to be
punished, either imprisonment or financial penalty or both.
Special Powers Act, 1974
The act works to prohibit prejudicial acts, and if a journalist publishes any prejudicial report, that will be
considered as a punishable offense (Sajen, 2015).
Official Secrets Act, 1923
Based on the English Official Secrets Act of 1911, the Official Secrets Act prohibits journalists
from accessing any government information (Sajen, 2015).
Other press laws several other press laws are enacted in Bangladesh.
They include National Broadcasting Policy, 2014; Community Radio Policy, 2017; Bangladesh
Press Council Act, 1974; National Online Mass Media Policy, 2017, etc. All of these laws and
acts are criticized by the journalists, editors, and civil society of Bangladesh, but the use of these
laws keeps a barrier upheld to the practice of free media in Bangladesh.1
Researched by
Asmaul Hosna
23111021
1 The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh | 39. Freedom of thought and
conscience, and of speech. (n.d.). Laws of Bangladesh. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from
http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act367/section-24587.htm
Recommendation/suggestion
Cure the fever of Yellow Journalism.
Media is considered the fourth pillar of state. With the rise of different media channels, it is very
simple for news channels to create hype among the masses related to any topic, which might not
have any importance at all.
Channels are only concerned about the sensationalism in the news, regardless of its authenticity.
Media is supposed to be independent, realistic and unbiased but mostly they are just
exaggerating the news to attract their followers.
Different media channels support different political parties. Some channels always support the
rulingparties, but these policies must beneglected during reporting. They should avoid
favouritism and blame game.
The greed of ratings is responsible for the propaganda regarding any insignificant issue
Journalists show fake interviews, wrong facts and figures and do biased reporting just to gain
Television Rating Points (TRPs). There is allot of difference between true news and popular
news.
Journalists should be responsible for their reporting, and they should be sincere with their
profession. They should not share their opinion and avoid showing their personal interests while
reporting. They should try to bring positive effects on the society. Media channels should do
their work with an open mind to avoid any exaggerating news.True essence of Journalism is seen
when any channel remainsimpartial and just presents the issues without manipulation.
A set of rules and regulation is established by the count in order avoid such issues. If a channel
misinterprets the facts and figures and defames a public celebrity to manipulate an incident, legal
action should be taken or a show cause notice should be issued to the respectivechannel. This is
the only way "Yellow Journalism" can be avoided.1
Rukhsar Rafiq
Student of Mass Communication at Karachi University
16 Dec 2017
Promote freedom of speech and expression in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has made notable Progress in various social, economic and Political spheres in recent
years. But the Promotion of Freedom of speech and expression still presents a complex
challenge. There are several strategies to promote freedom of speech and expression in
Bangladesh.
1. Legal Reforms:
One of the Primary steps towards nurturing freedom of speech and expression is the rein
forcement of legal frameworks. Amendments should be made to ensure legislation and
regulations align with in ternation al standards, guaranteeing Protection for Journalists, writers,
activists, and citizens to voice their opinions without fear of Rotten Persecution. These reforms
should be carried out in a participatory manner, to create fair and unbiased laws that Protect
everyone's right to express their thoughts
2. Strengthening Media Independence:
Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and spreading information. To promote
freedom of speech and expression, it is essential to strengthen media independence by reducing
Government control and influence over media outlets.
3. Education Campaigns:
Promoting freedom of speech and expression can begin at an early age through educational
campaigns. Educational institutions should incorporate curricula that teach the values of free
speech and critical thinking. Students must be taught how to express their opinions respectfully,
listen to other's point of views, and engage in constructive debates. Encouraging open forums
and discussions on campuses can foster an environment that promotes diverse ideas and
encourages the sharing of thoughts.
4. Protection for Journalists and Activists:
Journalists and activists are often at the forefront of promoting freedom of Speech and
expression. Ensuring their Safety and protecting them from threats. Violence and Persecution is
vital. Law enforcement agencies should be trained on the importance of safeguarding. media
Professionals and activists, while legal Protection mechanisms should be established to swiftly
address any violations.
5. Technological Advancements:
In today's digital era, the technological landscape offers numerous opportunities to amplify
voices and facilitate the free flow of information. The government should invest in expanding
internet infrastructure to rural areas, ensuring that a wider Population has access to platforms for
expressing themselves freely. Additionally, initiatives can be undertaken to promote digital
literacy and media literacy, educating citizens on navigating the digital realm responsibly and
ethically.
Researched by
Mareya Efrat Ema
2311105
Conclusion:
Yellow journalism was a style of sensationalist and often misleading reporting that gained
prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It prioritized eye-catching headlines,
exaggerated stories, and emotional appeals over factual accuracy. While it sold newspapers and
influenced public opinion, it also contributed to the spread of misinformation and played a role in
shaping public perceptions, particularly during events like the Spanish-American War. In
conclusion, yellow journalism had a significant impact on media history, highlighting the need
for responsible journalism and the potential consequences of sensationalized reporting.
Freedom of expression in Bangladesh has seen significant challenges and developments. While
the country's constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, in practice, it
has faced limitations and threats. Concerns about media censorship, self-censorship, and violence
against journalists have persisted. The Digital Security Act (DSA) has been criticized for
potential misuse to stifle dissent.On the positive side, civil society and advocacy groups continue
to work for greater freedom of expression and press freedom. Court decisions have sometimes
upheld these rights, and social media and digital platforms have provided avenues for individuals
to express their opinions. In conclusion, freedom of expression in Bangladesh is a complex and
evolving issue. While there have been improvements, challenges remain, and it's essential for the
government, civil society, and international stakeholders to continue efforts to protect and
promote this fundamental right.
Researched by
Tahsin Zeba Sazida Nila
23111037
