fourth estate

• Terme métaphorique désignant la presse, les médias d'information ou le journalisme comme une institution influente jouant le rôle de contre-pouvoir vis-à-vis du gouvernement et de la société, aux côtés des trois pouvoirs ou ordres traditionnels.

A metaphorical term referring to the press, news media, or journalism as a powerful institution that serves as a watchdog over government and society, alongside the three traditional estates of the realm (clergy, nobility, and commoners).

1. The press and news mediaC1formal

   A term referring to the press, journalism, and news media as a collective force in society, often seen as a fourth branch of government alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

   quatrième pouvoir

   • The fourth estate plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable.
   • Many consider investigative journalism the backbone of the fourth estate.
   • In a democracy, the fourth estate must remain independent and free.