* Attention-grabbing. Lurid stories are often shocking, sensational, and attention-grabbing. This can help newspapers and television news shows attract viewers and readers.
* Emotional impact. Lurid stories can also be very emotionally impactful. This can make them memorable and more likely to be shared on social media, which can further increase the audience for the news outlet.
* Generating revenue. Advertising revenue is the main source of income for most newspapers and television news shows. Lurid stories can attract more viewers and readers, which can in turn attract more advertisers. This can generate more revenue for the news outlet.
* Competitive pressure. In a competitive media landscape, news outlets may feel pressure to publish lurid stories in order to stay relevant and maintain their audience.
However, featuring lurid stories can also have some negative consequences for newspapers and television news shows. It can lead to a sensationalist or tabloid-like reputation, which can alienate some viewers and readers. Additionally, lurid stories can be harmful to those individuals whose personal information or details are published, such as victims of crime.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to feature lurid stories is a complex one that takes into account many factors. News outlets must weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before making a decision.