Final answer:
Television ownership in American homes rose quickly from 55% in 1954 to 98% by the late 1990s, signifying a major conduit for information dissemination. The advent of cable and internet has diversified media consumption, with a notable shift towards digital sources, particularly among younger demographics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers have discovered that television has reached a high saturation in American homes, highlighting the rapid transmission of information to populations. Beginning in 1948, television spread quickly through American households, with 55% owning a TV by 1954 and increasing to 90% by 1960. This expansion was made possible by the development of microwave relays that enhanced broadcast capabilities. By the late 1990s, this number had soared to 98%, indicating nearly every American home had at least one television. With advances in technology such as cable in the 1980s and the internet in the 2000s, media consumption patterns have changed, offering viewers a vast array of choices and affecting traditional news consumption. In recent years, online and digital sources have become increasingly popular, especially among younger audiences, with a significant shift from 24% to 39% from 2004 to 2012 according to the Pew Research Center for People and the Press.