What is the significance of the fourth estate?

Media has been referred to as the fourth estate since Medieval English and French societies determined its ability to emerge as a power player with the invention of Gutenberg’s moveable type and mass-produced written word. The media serves an independent role in reporting on the government and assuming a watchdog role on behalf of the citizens. Watchdog role is defined as the “concept of the press asa skeptical and critical monitor of government” (Vivian 381). The media is used as a vehicle to report the truth and uncover scandals that permeate the government. The fourth estate is significant because it is an outside check on the accountability of the government and it also effects governance as a whole. The media, due to a lack of time and space, acts as a framer by selecting what to cover which in return creates the public’s agenda. Although political leaders have been quick to learn techniques to influence what media covers, it is ultimately the decision of the news station and newspeople to decide what will be covered, how it will be covered, and how the people will react to the coverage. “The news media report on the other estates, ideally with roots in none and a commitment only to truth” (Vivian 379).