Final answer:
It is true that alternative magazines and online media platforms cater to niche audiences and provide diverse opinions and information not commonly addressed by traditional media channels, which has changed how public policy is influenced and information is processed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that alternative magazines publish information and viewpoints for readers not served by other media channels is True. These niche media outlets have flourished with the advent of the Internet, which allows for diverse opinions and information to be more easily disseminated than through traditional media sources like newspapers and television. Alternative magazines and online platforms cater to specific audiences by focusing on topics that may not be covered by mainstream media, or by presenting information from a unique perspective that resonates with a particular group. The ease of creating and maintaining an online presence means that alternative media can specifically target those audiences who seek different viewpoints or discuss subjects that are not the main focus in traditional media channels.
The evolution of the media landscape has had profound impacts on society. With the decline of newspapers and the rise of fractured media sources, individuals now have the option to select their preferred sources of information, reinforcing their existing views and potentially creating echo chambers. This societal shift has also changed the way in which information is processed and how public policy is influenced. Typically, the traditional media has played a role of a gatekeeper, but the balance of power is questioned with the proliferation of media platforms that challenge traditional journalism and reporting models.