On the contrary Flashy. Gutter journalism was just as prevalent then as it is now (as in the Sun and News of the World for example).
i'm not suggesting it didn't exist, but the technology did not exist at the time to allow for the mass garbage and viciousness of today...
there were no blogs, websites, gossip shows, gossip networks etc...
the instantaneous nature of cell phone cameras, the internet, 24-7 cable has allowed it to virtually explode, wheras it used to be confined to a rather small little area of sleaze...celebrity news and adultery etc. would never be seen on reputable news programs etc.
sure, there were always the sleazy newspaper gossip columnist going back a ways, but there simply was not a big enough medium, to collect, and distribute as instaneously as there is today...and frankly, it is vile, IMO.
among the worst is the hunting of the children/babies of celebrities.
there truly needs to be a law against allowing paparazzi to photograph and the news show/blogs/websites/gossip mags, to publish those photos of the children of celebrities, unless that celeb gives their express written consent.
there is no crime in purveying the vile filth and lies about celebs personal lives, but placing bounties on the heads of children is frankly, disgusting, and should be criminal IMO