Reviving the Fourth Estate: Democracy, Accountability and the Media

“Unless we return to the principles of public service we will lose our claim to be the Fourth Estate. What right have we to speak in the public interest, when too often we are motivated by personal gain?”

Rupert Murdoch posed this question in 1961. This book investigates the issues raised, and suggests some answers.

Schultz observes that the Fourth Estate has proven to be a remarkably flexible concept. What was once described as the space where reporters sat while documenting the proceedings of the House of Commons, the Fourth Estate later described the more nebulous ideals connected with those in positions of power and influence. Traditionally, the news media acted as the watchdog of democracy, but varied in meaning in response to changing political and economic circumstances. loday, it is also a major global industry.

Julianne Schultz considers the ramifications of this intersection by analysing the role of journalism in Australia, the scope of its democratic purpose and the relationship of the Fourth Estate to the other ‘estates’: the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. She finds that, while the ideal of the Fourth Estate is still upheld by most journalists, the reality has been seriously impaired by the increasing concentration of media ownership in Australia and by political, ethical and career interests.

Schultz argues for a revival of the Fourth Estate founded on journalistic independence and political autonomy. But, she cautions, the media must be accountable and responsive to its audience and ethical in its dealings. This groundbreaking book makes a major contribution to debates about the media and public interest in Australia.

JULIANNE SCHULTZ is a journalist, academic, writer and librettist. She has unique experience as both a journalist and a journalism academic. She has been Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Technology, Sydney.
She has worked for a number of media organisations and has been published in a wide range of newspapers and magazines, most recently as a contributing editor with the Brisbane Courier-Mail. Her books include Not Just Another Business, Reporting Business, Accuracy and Australian Newspapers, Steel City Blues and, as co-author, The Phone Book.