The enduring power of Fourth Estate
This article explores the historical and democratic significance of the media as the 'Fourth Estate' in India. It highlights the importance of a free press in holding power accountable, citing historical examples of investigative journalism and political satire.
Why it matters
Underscores the essential role of independent journalism in maintaining democratic health and resisting government overreach.
The role played by the media, whether print, electronic or social, has long been regarded as integral to the polity of a civilised country, particularly in India, where democracy is the form of governance. So much so that the media has, quite rightly, been accorded the status of the Fourth Estate, with the executive, judiciary and legislature being the other three.
In fact, French philosopher Voltaire went to the extent of saying that a democracy is safe only when the people are literate and the media is free.
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