The media is generally assumed to be a major user of FOI. This study is the response to a suggestion that the Tasmanian media was making minimal use of FOI, and aimed to determine the extent to which the Tasmanian media accept the role of the Fourth Estate, or reporting in the public interest. The study is based on interviews with Tasmanian journalists focussing on political journalists, and literature.The requirements of the Fourth Estate role, and journalists' commitment to it are analysed in detail. Emphasis is placed on the potential to fulfil this role through balanced, accurate and thorough reporting. The results show that journalists are committed to their Fourth Estate role, and that the significance of FOI is increasing as journalists grow accustomed to using it.