Press freedom at its lowest level in 25 years worldwide: RSF report

International Desk, PNN

Press freedom worldwide has fallen to its lowest level in the past 25 years, according to the France-based international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This information was revealed in the organization’s latest “World Press Freedom Index” report.

RSF publishes an annual index analyzing journalism conditions in 180 countries, categorizing them into five groups ranging from “very serious” to “good.” This year’s report shows that for the first time, more than half of the world’s countries fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” category, indicating increasing pressure on journalism.

According to the report, only seven countries meet the “good” standard of press freedom, most of which are Nordic countries. Norway, the Netherlands, and Estonia are at the top of the list.

France ranks 25th, while the United States has fallen to 64th place, a decline of seven positions compared to last year. RSF claims that political pressure on the media and increasing pressure on media organizations in the US are responsible for this decline.

The report further states that journalists are facing increased repression in various regions of the world. Eastern Europe and the Middle East have been identified as the most dangerous regions for journalists. Russia and Iran are listed among the lowest-ranking countries.

RSF also alleges that war, conflict, and restrictions on information flow are key reasons for the decline in press freedom. The report specifically mentions attacks on journalists in Gaza and Lebanon.

The organization further states that in more than 60 percent of countries worldwide, journalists face legal or administrative pressure in some form, increasing the trend of treating journalism as a criminal activity.

RSF Editorial Director Anne Bocandé said that authoritarian states, political indifference, economic pressure, and uncontrolled technology platforms are responsible for the decline in press freedom.

She further stated that democratic countries must take stronger measures to protect journalists and enforce international law, otherwise freedom of information will be further restricted.