Final answer:
The news media performs its informative function by providing a channel for political leaders to communicate with the public, ensuring that citizens are informed for making educated voting choices. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
In providing political leaders with a channel for addressing the public, the news media may be said to be performing its informative function. This role includes reporting the news, serving as a linkage institution connecting the government and the people, and ensuring that citizens are informed to make educated voting choices.
Democracy necessitates an informed electorate, and the media facilitates this by sharing information about government actions and encouraging public debate, often acting as a common carrier. While other functions such as watchdog, gatekeeping, and entertainment do exist, the primary function in this context is to inform the public.