THE MEDIA AS THE FOURTH ESTATE OF THE REALM

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The political structure of many societies is moving towards democracy a system of government that supports the governance of the people, by the people, and for the people.

 Democracy, however, remains a mirage until the freedom of the press is achievable.

 The media as the fourth estate of the realm, remain one of the most vital channels through which the provisions made for the freedom of expression and information are accessed.

which are often seen as fulfilling the vitality and important role of the fourth estate, the guardians of democracy and defenders of the public interest.

The power of the press comes from its ability to withhold or give out information.

In other words, the role of giving accurate information to the Nigerian citizenry is one of the major roles of the Nigerian mass media.

The role of the mass media as the “fourth estate” of the realm implies that the media is also a lawmaker itself.

Democracy engenders practices such as the rule of law, checks and balances, and the freedom of expression and association ensuring that there is accountability and transparency at all the three levels or arms of government which are the EXECUTIVE, THE LEGISLATURE, THE JUDICIARY.

With the three arms of government, there is still a created gap between the followers and the rulers.

To ensure adequate accountability there is a need for an external independent body serving as a form of check and balances for the three arms of government.

The media, therefore, serves as the fourth arm of government performing the duty of society’s watchdog and ensuring the government’s accountability to the people.

 Press also ensures the participation of the governed in the process of governance. 

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