a person or thing that is considered  a reasonable target for criticism or attack

what is not a synonym to "unconfirmed allegation"

If the newspaper's circulation is boosted

any material that is intended to spread news and delight  at the same time in an effort to enhance popularity with audience

A local paper gathered some vox pop.  'Vox pop' here means

a news event with sensationalistic  level of media coverage

a piece of news published by a newspaper or broadcast by a television or radio station in advance of its rivals.

Odd one out. What is not a synonym to the expression 'to gag the press'

a style of reporting where the author is part of the story rather than removed and unseen like traditional journalism 

the practice of quickly scanning through different television channels or radio frequencies to find something interesting to watch or listen to is called