Episode Synopsis "Introduction"

For centuries, the term “fourth estate” has been used to refer to the unofficial power of the press to frame particular issues and present difference ideas to the public, as part of the checks and balances on a democratic government. More recently with the advent of a twenty-four hour news cycle, growth of social media as well as the rise of alternative media outlets online, the nature of this influence has been called into question. Over the course of this series, I’m going to consider the extent to which the media is still able to fulfil its role as part of the fourth estate in combatting disinformation, exposing corruption, and upholding democratic institutions. Each episode I'll look at one of these areas in relation to some of the headlines from the previous week, reflecting on how events have been reported and how people have reacted to this.

Listen "Introduction"

More episodes of the podcast Fourth Estate - By Joshua Jamieson

• 02 - Conspiracy Theories & QAnon
• 01 - Disinformation & COVID-19
• Introduction