Press freedom worldwide falls to its lowest level in 25 years
Summary
A report by Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom is at its lowest point in 25 years. More than half of the world’s countries have serious problems with press freedom, with violence, legal crackdowns, and government attacks on journalists increasing in many regions.Key Facts
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks 180 countries yearly on press freedom using a five-point scale.
- For the first time since 2002, over half the countries are rated as having “difficult” or “very serious” press freedom situations.
- Only seven countries, mostly in Northern Europe, earn a “good” rating; Norway, the Netherlands, and Estonia lead.
- The United States ranks 64th, slipping seven places since President Donald Trump took office.
- RSF cites President Trump’s policies as contributing to press freedom decline in the U.S., including attacks on journalists and media institutions.
- Eastern Europe and the Middle East are the most dangerous regions for journalists, with Russia and Iran near the bottom of the rankings.
- Conflicts and government control have led to many journalist deaths, such as more than 220 journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023.
- Over 60% of countries criminalize media workers through laws or emergency rules, including India, Egypt, and Hong Kong.
- RSF urges governments and citizens to strengthen protections for journalists and punish violations to stop the global decline in press freedom.
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