The Fourth Estate, a term dating from the early 1800s, comprises the press, or the media. (The First, Second and Third Estates are usually held to comprise the clergy, nobility and commoners respectively.) The Fourth Estate wields considerable power and authority, and reciprocally it bears a commensurate weight of responsibility. I’m unimpressed with the scant respect the Fourth Estate affords that responsibility. I’ve previously mentioned that the media are pivotal in creating public opinion without being objective and disinterested in so doing. The ABC’s independence is stifled by its politically appointed board and its government funding; and the private media, profit-making and therefore driven by advertising revenue, have a stake in keeping their consumers fearful, vulnerable and entertained. I’ve previously espoused my theory that the media ruined Mark Latham’s reputation. I think the same has happened to Prince Charles. Undoubtedly Charles isn’t perfect – who is, not even his mother – but to me he’s a sensitive, thoughtful and caring man. Read his Wikipedia page and see if you agree. Last week the media were frenzied that he dared oppose genetically modified food. I’m sure he’s considered it deeply, and that he’s right. But (no) thanks to the Fourth Estate, his public persona has long been that of a bumbling buffoon, which discounts the weight of his opinions. Pity. But it sure sells advertising.
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