[1] The press is sometimes called the fourth estate. That
is probably too grandiose a concept for most journalists’ tastes
— but it does suggest an important, coherent and independent
[4] force ∈ society. That “apartness” is crucial. The press does not
share the same aims as those of government, the legislature, the
executive, religion or commerce. It is, or should be, an outsider.
[7] Stanley Baldwin did not intend it as a compliment
when he said of newspapers ∈1931 that they had “power
without responsibility”. But, ∈ fact, that lack of responsibility
[10] is one of the important respects ∈ which the press is
different. Of course, the press must be responsible for its own
standards and ethics. But it is not the job of journalists to run
[13] things: they are literally without responsibility. They don’t have
to respond to a party whip, make the compromises necessary ∈
politics or answer to shareholders. They are not bound by the
[16] confidentiality agreements that bind others. They are careless
of causing inconvenience or embarrassment. They do not have
to win votes. They can write things — about the economy, say,
[19] or the environment — which may need saying but which are
unsayable by politicians. They come from a different place.
Internet: <http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu> (adapted).
Based on text above, judge the item that follow.
The press is said to totally neglect its responsibilities.
