The term Fourth Estate or fourth power refers to the press and news media both in explicit capacity of advocacy and implicit ability to frame political issues. Though it is not formally recognized as a part of a political system, it wields significant indirect social influence. Wikipedia
I would posit that the media wields DIRECT social influence. Look at what right wing AM radio has done. Its been direct and outrageous. The right wing has been much more influential than the left or center, and their ability to capture and captivate their audience has had major, direct, negative, and unfortunately, lasting influence on our system of government.