Tabloid Journalism: An Annotated Bibliography of English-Language Sources

(Hardback)

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This is a compilation of English-language books and articles, briefly summarized, commenting on the phenomenon of sensationalism in news reporting. Coverage includes the historical penny and yellow presses; Britain's Fleet Street publications; and supermarket tabloids, spanning the eras of Northcliffe, Pulitzer, Hearst, and Murdoch. This is a unique compilation of 819 English-language monographs, journal articles, theses, and conference paperseach briefly summarizedcommenting on the phenomenon of sensationalism in journalism. Separate chapters address the practice in newspapers and television, the legal issues raised, and international manifestations. An historical overview of the subject, as well as of current practice, is provided. Entries feature both popular and scholarly contributors. Tabloid journalism is alternately praised and excoriated by the commentators, whose backgrounds are as divergent as their opinions. While sensationalism's excessiveness provides an easy target for critics, scholars' more analytical investigations draw parallels between today's tabloid headlines and more traditional folk narratives. The sociological role played by tabloid journalism is also discussed.

Reviews

With each passing scandal, the line between legitimate news sources and tabloid journalism fades....Tabloid journalism should have more than passing interest for journalism students, professional communicators, lawyers, and students of popular culture. Greenberg's bibliography has sections for US print journalism, US television, legal implications, and international perspectives. Author and subject indexes enable readers to identify their favorite checkout-stand tabloid or pseudonews infotainment program. Recommended for all academic libraries with collections in mass media, entertainment law, or popular culture.-Choice
"With each passing scandal, the line between legitimate news sources and tabloid journalism fades....Tabloid journalism should have more than passing interest for journalism students, professional communicators, lawyers, and students of popular culture. Greenberg's bibliography has sections for US print journalism, US television, legal implications, and international perspectives. Author and subject indexes enable readers to identify their favorite checkout-stand tabloid or pseudonews infotainment program. Recommended for all academic libraries with collections in mass media, entertainment law, or popular culture."-Choice

Author Bio

GERALD S. GREENBERG is Reference/Bibliographic Instruction Librarian at Ohio State University's Undergraduate Library. A native of New York City, he has taught public school in both New York and Columbus, Ohio.