Final answer:
True, newspapers have historically played a crucial role in sustaining democracy by facilitating public debate and governmental accountability. However, the modern media landscape has diversified, and although newspapers contribute significantly, other digital platforms now also influence the political process.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False? Of all our mass media institutions, newspapers have played the leading role in sustaining democracy. This statement can be seen as true, particularly when considering the historical context in which newspapers have functioned as a vital part of the democratic process. The core of the mass media in the twentieth century was indeed the newspaper, generating the majority of domestic and foreign news and offering a platform for public debate, thereby improving citizen awareness. Historically, newspapers have helped to ensure governmental accountability by informing the public and facilitating discussion, thus playing a crucial role in the political process.
However, the modern media landscape has evolved, with social media platforms and other digital news outlets supplementing and, in some cases, supplanting traditional newspapers. The media's role as a gatekeeper in dictating what topics influence public policy is complex and raises questions about the balance of power between those in the political arena and the public. While newspapers have significantly contributed to sustaining democracy, it is important to recognize the shifting dynamics of news consumption and the impact of diverse media platforms today.
Some challenges to this role include issues of misinformation, disinformation, and the rise of 'fake news' in the digital age, particularly on social media, which complicates the media's ability to promote the public good faithfully. Nevertheless, outlets like The New York Times and NBC Nightly News continue to play an integral part in informing the electorate about issues of national and international importance.