Final answer:
Yellow journalism refers to the sensationalistic style of journalism that prioritizes eye-catching headlines over factual accuracy, a trend that was prominent in the late 19th century by figures like Hearst and Pulitzer, particularly during the events leading up to the Spanish-American War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique of using sensational headlines and stories with little factual basis to provoke public emotion and influence opinion is known as yellow journalism. This approach flourished in the late 19th century, as media magnates like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer sought to boost newspaper circulation and engage the public in the unfolding political and social events. Yellow journalism was prominently observed during the time leading up to the Spanish-American War, as newspapers published exaggerated accounts of events in Cuba to sway public sentiment and encourage American intervention.
It is ironic that although Joseph Pulitzer became synonymous with sensationalist media through his paper, the New York World, today he is best remembered for establishing the Pulitzer Prize which honors excellence in journalism. Yellow journalism competed for readers by emphasizing eye-catching headlines and stories, often neglecting the accuracy of the facts reported. The legacy of yellow journalism still resonates today, as modern media can sometimes blur the lines between fact and sensationalism to attract audience engagement.