Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressure
Press freedom globally has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to the World Press Freedom Index, which attributes the decline to increasing authoritarianism, legal restrictions, and political hostility toward the media. The report by Reporters Without Borders found that over half of the 180 countries assessed now face 'difficult' or 'very serious' conditions for press freedom. Journalists are increasingly criminalized, with restrictive laws, violence, and economic pressures threatening the viability of independent journalism worldwide.
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Journalists demonstrate in Tunis this month over the arrest of Franco-Tunisian columnist Mourad Zeghidi, who has been imprisoned since 2024. Photograph: Mohamed Hammi/SIPA/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenJournalists demonstrate in Tunis this month over the arrest of Franco-Tunisian columnist Mourad Zeghidi, who has been imprisoned since 2024. Photograph: Mohamed Hammi/SIPA/ShutterstockPress freedomPress freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressureThe World Press Freedom Index, which assessed 180 countries, finds established journalism is ‘being asphyxiated’Michael Savage Media editorThu 30 Apr 2026 12.35 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 12.36 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GooglePress freedom around the world is at its lowest ebb in a generation,…
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