Final answer:
A majority of Americans believe that the media are effectively reporting the news, which is crucial for an informed democracy and shapes the political process and public opinion. The rise in digital news consumption has impacted traditional media sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of Americans believe that the media are effective in their role of reporting the news. This function is essential in a democracy, as it enables citizens to be informed and make educated choices in the political sphere.
Indeed, the media is often referred to as the "fifth branch of government" due to their significant influence on shaping public opinion and the political process. Through the conveyance of news and information, media coverage determines salience, the sense of importance given to issues and events, which influences voter and citizen behavior.
Furthermore, with the advent of digital media, more people, particularly the younger demographic, are accessing news via smartphones and tablets. From 2004 to 2012, the number of Americans getting their news from digital sources increased from 24% to 39%, affecting the consumption of traditional print, radio, and television news media.