Journalists and media outlets face 25-year low in global press freedom

17 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Apr 30

For the first time since 2002, more than half of 180 countries are rated “difficult” or “very serious”, while only seven, led by Norway, the Netherlands and Estonia, score “good”.
RSF said the United States fell seven places to 64th under Donald Trump, France ranked 25th, and Argentina and El Salvador also dropped sharply amid crackdowns and restrictions.
The group blamed criminalisation, war and information controls, citing Israel’s ranking of 116th and more than 220 journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023, plus severe conditions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

With international law failing journalists in conflict zones, what alternative mechanisms can realistically ensure their safety?

What lessons from South Africa's robust civil society can be applied globally to defend press freedom?

Why is anti-press rhetoric becoming an increasingly effective political tool for leaders around the world?

Could regulating misinformation to protect journalists actually pose a greater, unintended threat to free speech?

As AI deepfakes proliferate, what new standards can establish a global 'gold standard' for authentic news content?

When leaders and AI both attack the truth, how can the public regain trust in any information?