Final answer:
James King of William used investigative journalism to expose city officials, aiming to bring issues of corruption and misconduct to public attention, much like the muckraking journalists of the Progressive Era and later, the reporters of the Watergate scandal. the correct answer is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
James King of William attempted to expose city officials through A. Investigative journalism. Investigative journalism refers to the method used by journalists to uncover and report on issues such as government or corporate corruption, misconduct, and other wrongdoings that are of public interest. This form of journalism played an integral role during the Progressive Era, where the media began muckraking: writing and publishing news coverage that exposed corrupt business and government practices. A classic example of this is the Watergate investigations by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
Muckraking journalism has had significant impacts, leading to legislative changes and increased public awareness about misconduct. For instance, Upton Sinclair's serialized novel The Jungle exposed the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry, leading to the Pure Food and Drug Act. The rise of investigative journalism also brings to light the debate between public good and what some critics refer to as attack journalism, where the focus shifts to targeting individuals rather than broader systemic issues.
The role of investigative journalism is also emphasized by the need for laws that promote transparency, like sunshine laws, which contrast against yellow journalism, known for its sensationalized coverage of scandals without much regard for factual reporting or public good.