Press freedom worldwide is at lowest level in 25 years, watchdog group warns
Press freedom globally has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to Reporters Without Borders, with over half of the world's countries now classified as having 'difficult' or 'very serious' conditions for journalists. The United States fell further in the rankings due to increased hostility toward the press and policy changes, while countries like Niger and Russia saw significant declines. Conversely, post-Assad Syria showed the largest improvement in press freedom despite ongoing challenges in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
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World Press freedom worldwide is at lowest level in 25 years, watchdog group warns Updated on: April 30, 2026 / 6:44 AM EDT / CBS/AFP Add CBS News on Google Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, Reporters Without Borders warned on Thursday. The media rights watchdog also known as RSF cited as examples President Trump's "systematic" attacks on journalists, and Saudi Arabia, which executed a journalist in 2025. "For the first time in the (RSF) Index's 25-year history, more than half the world's countries now fall into the 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories for press freedom," a statement said.The average score of all 180 countries and territories that were surveyed has never been so low, RSF said.
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