
About the Committee
Agenda: “Sensationalism in Journalism: A Necessary Tool or Threat to Truth?”
Committee Email: ipc@ratobangala.edu.np
The consequences of sensationalism can be far-reaching, especially in media ethics and public discourse. By emphasising shock value over actual substance, sensationalist reporting may spread misinformation, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and inflame public anxiety, especially during crises such as pandemics, conflicts, or natural disasters. Then, perhaps, could it be argued that a certain degree of dramatisation — when rooted in truth and paired with scientific accuracy — can be a necessary tool in crisis communication? After all, the goal of journalism is not just to inform, but also to engage and compel action. Reporters from the International Press Corps will be expected to evaluate the ethical implications of sensationalism in journalism whilst considering its impact on the wider society.