A "sensational story" refers to a piece of news or information that is shocking, exciting, or exaggerated in order to grab people's attention and generate strong emotions. Full definition
But sensational stories need drama, and drama needs conflict. (faith.org.uk)
The Daily Mail leads the pack, commonly referring to the UK's aid spending «madness» and running sensational stories of taxpayers» money being «squandered overseas». (politics.co.uk)
It's a nearly pitch - perfect black comedy that distills Harding's sensational story into two potent insights very relevant to 2017. (vox.com)