The Fourth Estate

The USA is a country with a democratic soil. The expansion of media and the development of technology have become a crucial democratic tool of investigation and correspondence between the government and the people. In simple words, if media were to disappear, democracy would disappear too. Opposed to the three political branches (legislation, judiciary and the executive power) the Fourth Estate is completely independent.

How do you know if the press is independent? Here is some criteria to an independent press:

• Freedom of Speech and freedom of Press

• Media Pluralism (TV, Radio, Newspaper, social media, etc.)

• Accountability

Does freedom of speech still exist in the USA? To what extent can censorship be used?

Let's dive into to it a bit more!

The freedom of speech and press have a foundation rooted in the constitution's first amendment in 1791. Indeed the first amendement rules that:

The "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

After multiple difficulties faced by the people, the Bill of Rights achieved its goal to protect the Freedom of speech. Yet, the United States of America has know periods of censorship even if considerable progress had been made. As a matter of fact, during the Cold War, all press related to communism was considered propaganda for enslavement, opposition and a threat to democracy.

The ideology and necessity of pluralism in media explains the diversity of the field. There is multiple private owned media and public owned media like the PBS destined to different audiences (communities and political parties).

In this matter, the fourth estate has responsibilities and obligations. The fourth estate keeps political figures accountable, especially during the elections. Though it isn't an official power branch, the fourth estate is as influencing as all other branches as it conveys information about the government's doings and corresponding public opinions and needs.

Here's a quick explanation of the evolution that the media has known in the USA.

The Progressive Era 1880-1914

During the Gilded Age, journalism and photojournalism were both a weapon and a tool to reach more freedom. The Muckraker journalists devoted themselves to expose any malfeasance of institutions and also fought for progressive movements such as women rights, the right to vote, the suppression of child labor and many other issues.

The radiocommunication 1920-1940

The radiocommunication era was a major shift in the media. It was the era in which the Big Three thrived the most (ABC, BBC, CBS). The news was spread in an easier way with an objectivity standardisation. Then, no precondition of budget or social knowledge was needed to own a radio and have access to media information. In the 70s however, with the Watergate scandal, Nixon's presidency put the objectivity of radiocommunication in a doubtful position. The people of America started doubting the objectivity that had once existed in radiocommunication.

Television 1970-1990

The television came with a bundle of TV programs to entertain, inform and warn people of all communities and of all political beliefs. However, an ascension of untrained journalists and the presence of partisan polarisation on screen deemed the prestige of journalism. Instead, the news started becoming a place where people's beliefs clashed and where news also became a way to entertain oneself. Did the objectivity disappear?

Internet 90-today

Thanks to the internet, media has become a real time wireless melting pot accessible to everyone. With the ascension of social media, and particularly Twitter known for its freedom of speech policy, and instagram, political figures can directly engage with the people. Nevertheless, bot political figures the people can use the media to spread fake news in favour of their ideologies. That is why the presence certified reporters convey the right information (Times, Washington Post).

Though it might not be considered a political branch the media have a crucial role in democracy. Without it individuality and unity cannot exist and the people's voice can't be heard. Also its independence provides the opportunity to expose any demagogy. Nonetheless, press is still a field with blindspots that lead to political polarisation and miscommunication. Should political figures be supervised when they use the media for more objectivity and fact stating?

See you soon, stay tuned y'all!