We Are The Fourth Estate (Power)

The “Fourth Estate” or the “Fourth Power” is a term derived from Thomas Carlyle’s 1841 book On Heroes and Hero Worship.  Carlyle wrote, (Edmund) “Burke said there were Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters’ Gallery yonder, there sat a Fourth Estate more important far than they all.” Perhaps this is why government officials of the judiciary, the executive and legislative branches often exhibit some animosity toward reporters and media outlets.  Maybe they envy the power of that Fourth Estate?  Maybe they fear it?  The Fourth Estate is “a segment of society that has an indirect but significant influence on society even though it is not a formally recognized part of the political system.”  Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson of Fox News represent the Fourth Estate.  Rachel Maddow, Chuck Todd, Katie Tur of MSNBC Cable News represent the Fourth Estate.  The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and the New York Post represent the Fourth Estate.  Every local TV news channel, every radio station, every regional newspaper is a part of the Fourth Estate.  If Burke saw the “Reporters’ Gallery yonder” as more important and more powerful than all three estates of the English Parliament in 1766, imagine how much more important and powerful the “Reporters’ Gallery” is today with 24/7 coverage, etc.

A  Fourth Estate (press/media) that is free to investigate and criticize the government is essential in a nation that practices self-government (of, by and for the people) because that government is dependent upon educated and enlightened citizens. That press may publish lies or tell falsehoods. It may deceive the people.  It often misleads.  It can also discover/uncover facts and tell the truth.   It is better to have four estates than only three, just as it is better to have three branches of government with checks and balances, instead of one. 

We, as citizens, are also members of the Fourth Estate.  We are the “press,” the Reporters’ Gallery, the Fourth Power!  We have the task of “knowing” what is going on, investigating that which is hidden from us, and being “acquainted” with all the “news,” and then sharing it with others. It is our duty and responsibility to engage in the battle for truth if we want a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  For we, the people, are Burke’s “Reporters’ Gallery yonder.” We, with our vote, are “more important far than they all.”