The media serves as a "fourth estate" in a democracy, acting as a crucial check on government power and an informer of the public. By investigating and reporting on political issues, the media promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that citizens are aware of government actions and policies. Furthermore, an independent media provides a platform for diverse perspectives and political discourse essential for democratic engagement. However, challenges such as censorship and misinformation can hinder the media’s role, necessitating strong protections for press freedom to uphold democratic ideals.