What is significance of fourth estate?

Fourth estate is defined as, "The press as a player in medieval power structures, in addition to the clerical, noble and common estates" (Vivian 379). During the medieval and french societies the four estates were structured. The clergy, the nobility, the common people and the fourth, which was never given a proper name. The media serves an independent role in reporting on the government and assuming a 'watchdog' role. The watchdog role is defined as the, “concept of the press asa skeptical and critical monitor of government” (Vivian 381). Because of the fourth estate government is not allowed to interfere with the media. 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. Media acts as a messenger for the public as deciding on what stories to run and they significance. Government tries to direct the media a certain way by only giving certain stories, but the media has learned ways to show both ways and ultimately it is up to the news stations. The public is the main reason that the media is around, so if there are stories that will be beneficial to the public, they are the ones going to be shown.