A free press is often called the "Fourth Estate" because it acts as an unofficial fourth branch of government, providing a system of checks and balances against corruption and abuses of power.
: Journalists help preserve the rule of law by exposing misconduct that might otherwise remain hidden. A free press is often called the "Fourth
: By the late 1800s, sensationalism—known as yellow journalism—demonstrated the power of the press to capture public attention and even influence international conflict, such as the Spanish-American War. Why a Free Press Matters A free press is often called the "Fourth