Final answer:
Joseph McCarthy generated media sensationalism through controversial and unsubstantiated accusations of Communism, employing unfair tactics which led to his political downfall following the televised Army-McCarthy Hearings, and resulted in his censure by the U.S. Senate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Senator Joseph McCarthy can be considered the main reason for generating media sensationalism over accusations primarily because of his controversial statements and actions. During a period of national concern over internal security in the 1950s, McCarthy exploited these fears by making frequent, unsubstantiated accusations of Communist sympathies against numerous individuals and government agencies.
His approach to accusations without evidence, especially highlighted in his pursuit against the U.S. Army and his aggressive behavior during the televised Army-McCarthy Hearings, alienated the public and brought about his downfall with the Senate condemning him for improper conduct.
His influence peaked when he chaired the Senate Committee on Government Operations, where he launched investigations into supposed Communist activities. However, his techniques of accusation without proof, as well as his confrontational style, not only created a culture of fear but also led to what is known as McCarthyism - characterized by the vast spread of fear and unfair tactics in political discourse. His legacy is a cautionary tale of how demagoguery can undermine civil liberties and create a sensationalist media environment.