The annual World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), paints a grim picture of the state of journalism worldwide. Political attacks on journalists are on the rise, with detention, misinformation, and suppression of independent voices becoming increasingly common.
The report highlights that over half of the world's population will be going to the polls in 2024, yet governments are failing to protect journalism. The BBC has warned that over 300 of its journalists are now working in exile from their home countries due to increasing attacks on their reporting.
RSF's index ranks 180 countries on press freedom, with Norway topping the list and Eritrea at the bottom. The UK rose three places to 23, but was criticized for the dominant role held by a few major media outlets. The US fell 10 places to 55 due to increasing attacks on journalists from political players and highly concentrated media ownership.
The Middle East is a particularly dangerous region for journalists, with authoritarian regimes tightening their grip on news and information. Four of the world's biggest jailers of journalists - Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran - are in the region, and at least 100 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Russia continues its "crusade" against journalism, with over 1,500 journalists fleeing abroad since the illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The report also warns about the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence and deepfakes to spread misinformation, calling it "disturbing".
The number of BBC World Service journalists forced to work in exile has doubled since 2020, reflecting press crackdowns in Russia, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia. Many face jail, death threats, and harassment.
The report concludes that political groups are fueling hatred and distrust of journalists by insulting, discrediting, and threatening them. This, combined with increasing attacks on journalists and concentrated media ownership, is leading to a decline in press freedom worldwide.
As the world goes to the polls in 2024, it is essential that governments prioritize the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists. Without a free and independent press, democracy and public interest journalism are at risk.
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