Why is the media often referred to as "the fourth branch of American Government?" (7 reasons)?

Answer 1

Media has the influence, capability to expose wrongdoings, publish achievements, advertise good politicians and put bad politicians on the headlines.

Answer 2

It isn't.

It is often refered to as "the fourth estate." This is a refernce to the French Revolution. The First Estate was the aristocracy. The Second Estate was the clergy. The Third Estate was the merchants.

Whichever title one would use, 4th Estate, or 4th Branch, it's nothing more than a conceit and an ill fitting one at that.