Final answer:
Muckrakers were journalists who exposed societal issues, especially government and corporate corruption, during the Progressive Era in America. Their work, including publications like Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', led to substantial legislative changes and increased transparency. With the decline of investigative journalism in the digital age, there are concerns about the impact on public awareness and accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A journalist who exposed government abuses and corruption in big business and other societal ills through various media outlets during the period of 1890 to 1920 in America were known as muckrakers. This term was initially coined by President Theodore Roosevelt and is derived from the character in the story called Pilgrim's Progress, who was focused on raking filth and never lifted his eyes to heaven. Muckrakers aimed to plague the nation and publicize their findings to spur the public into action for reforms during the Progressive Era. Works by muckrakers, such as Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', were instrumental in bringing about significant legislative changes including the Pure Food and Drug Act and increased government regulatory policies.
In the face of corporate and political corruption, muckrakers provided detailed, investigative reporting that contributed to a more informed citizenry and prompted changes in policy to improve working and living conditions. Despite facing criticism for their focus on society's ills, their contributions to journalism and social reform cannot be understated. However, it's noted that in the digital age, there are concerns that the decline in systematic investigative journalism may lead to a less informed public and unaddressed wrongdoing.