Final Answer:
The form of journalism described, characterized by sensationalized stories based on reaction rather than fact, with an emphasis on violence and sex in accompanying pictures, is known as "yellow journalism."
Step-by-step explanation:
Yellow journalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the circulation wars between major newspapers. The term "yellow journalism" is often attributed to the New York World and the New York Journal, which were engaged in a fierce rivalry led by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. These publications prioritized sensationalism over accuracy, using provocative headlines, exaggerated stories, and explicit images to capture readers' attention and boost circulation.
In this style of journalism, the focus is on evoking emotional reactions from the audience rather than delivering unbiased, factual news. This approach often involves manipulating public sentiment through sensationalized content, contributing to a decline in journalistic integrity. The use of vivid images, especially those highlighting violence and sex, aims to appeal to the public's morbid curiosity and increase the paper's marketability.
Yellow journalism's impact extends beyond its historical context, as some contemporary media practices still draw inspiration from its attention-grabbing techniques. However, modern journalism strives for a balance between engaging storytelling and factual reporting, emphasizing accuracy and ethical standards to provide the public with reliable information.