fourth estate

The phrase "fourth estate" refers to the media or press, generally recognized as a crucial pillar of society alongside the three traditional estates of clergy, nobility, and commoners. It represents the idea that the press plays a significant role in holding the other three estates (government, business, and society) accountable. The fourth estate is responsible for informing, investigating, and scrutinizing those in power, thereby ensuring transparency, freedom of speech, and democracy in a society. It symbolizes the press as an influential and essential component of the checks and balances system.