The term ‘fourth estate’ refers to the press. Journalists and the news organizations they work for are referred to as the fourth estate to recognize their influence on public affairs.
This is a term journalism interns in India should be aware of. The term also gives them the status of being among the greatest powers of the nation. The power stems from the ability to influence the public.
Some regard it as an outdated term because of the growing mistrust of the public in media and its credibility.