What is the significance of the fourth estate?

The fourth estate is a term that was created in the late 1700s by Edmund Burke. Primarily used to define investigators. This term which was once frowned upon is now widely recognized as the fourth branch of government. The legislative, executive, and judicial are the three known branches. But what if these branches have become corrupt? The fourth estate is not actually a branch of the government but reporters like to think it is. It is the investigative reporters jobs to discover the numerous acts of corruption that go on everyday in this state. Those in power don't always do what will benefit others, but what will benefit themselves. Money can change the attitude of any politician. A simple bribe could change the way a highway is built. In Connecticut the Governor was involved in a scandal where no water drains were put in the highway so that he would take the money that was supposed to be spent on those drains. But who discovered that he did this? Reporters found out what he'd done and notified the general public. He would later resign before being impeached. The fourth estate helps this government run by uncovering corruption.