Media is referred to as the fourth branch of government

Media is referred to as the fourth branch of government

US GOVT.3

What does it mean when the media is referred to as the “fourth branch” of government? Is this function of the media more important than the other functions mentioned in the text? Explain why or why not.
The Enduring Democracy
Kenneth J. Dautrich, David A. Yalof, Christina E. Bejarano, 2020 Sage