A period, typically in the summer or another slow news time, when media outlets publish frivolous, sensational, or trivial stories due to a lack of hard news.
A temporary phase characterized by increased frivolity, gossip, or absurdity in public discourse or reporting.
2.
UKAustraliaGlobalinformalcolloquial
A phase in a particular field (for example, sports or politics) marked by rampant speculation, rumor, and unverified reports, often about transfers, appointments, or gossip.