Why is the media called the fourth branch of government?

I am doing a civics final and this is the question and i really cant think of any answers or how to describe it. or:I am doing a civics final and this

I am doing a civics final and this is the question and i really can't think of any answers or how to describe it.

or:I am doing a civics final and this is the question and i really can't think of any answers or how to describe it.


or:The media is an example of the fourth branch, it can also be special interest groups or a group of people that can influence the first three branches. In today's time, the media holds a very heavy hand in the fourth position due to today's technological means. However, social media allows for the people to be more so than in recent years.

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