Final answer:
Journalists known for exposing societal corruption and issues during the Progressive Era were called muckrakers. Their investigative journalism led to reforms and shaped the role of journalism as a watchdog for public interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The journalists who exposed corruption and societal problems during the Progressive Era were known as muckrakers. Initially intended as a derogatory term by President Theodore Roosevelt, these journalists played a pivotal role in highlighting issues that plagued the nation, such as corruption, poor working conditions, and unsanitary living conditions among the working class. The Progressive Era saw muckrakers like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell bring to light the dark underbelly of American society, their work leading to public outcry and demands for legislative reform. They were not merely observers but agents of change, inspiring Americans to call for and contribute to progress and reform.
Muckraking was characterized by thorough research and a commitment to exposing societal ills, even in the face of adversity. These journalists set a precedent for fact-based investigative journalism, targeting the injustices and inequality that were symptomatic of rapid industrialization and corporate greed. Their tenacious reporting was instrumental in pushing for the regulatory policies and reforms that marked the early twentieth century in the United States.