The term The Fourth Estate arises from the traditional European concept of the three estates of the realm: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.

Only the news and print media were seen as being able to call them to account.

However, this critical safeguard is under threat. On average two newspapers have closed in American every single week for the last 20 years.

With their financial stability reliant on adverting revenues, which are in decline - their ability to shine a light on the uncomfortable truths is in peril.

Why? A fearful marketing industry fixated on chasing ‘brand safety’ is creating an extinction event.

Simply put, the fear of news is killing it.

Explore more to see what you can do to save the stories that shape everyone’s world.