Global press freedom index hits 25-year low as nations face tightening media controls
The US drops seven places to 64th amid systematic attacks on the press, while Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, China and Eritrea occupy the bottom of the annual ranking released by the NGO
Reporters without Borders (RSF) has released its annual global ranking, warning that press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years. The organisation stated that for the first time in the index's history, more than half of the world's countries now fall into categories classified as 'difficult' or 'very serious' for media operations.
This year's index reveals a stark global trend towards restricting press freedoms, with the proportion of the population living in countries rated 'good' plummeting from 20 per cent to less than one per cent. The average score for all countries studied has never been so low in the quarter-century since the ranking was established in 2002.
The United States dropped seven places to rank 64th, receiving a 'problematic' rating. RSF cites systematic attacks by President Donald Trump's administration as the primary driver, including the detention and deportation of Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara and a drastic reduction in funding for US international broadcasting.
At the bottom of the list, Saudi Arabia ranks 176th following the execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser in June 2025, an event RSF describes as a unique occurrence in the world. Saudi Arabia is joined at the very bottom of the ranking by Russia, Iran, China and Eritrea, which holds the 180th position.
Significant declines were recorded across several regions, with Niger recording the sharpest drop in 2026, falling 37 places to 120th due to deteriorating press freedom in the Sahel amid attacks by armed groups and ruling juntas. El Salvador dropped 105 places to 143rd following a war against criminal gangs, while Georgia fell 75 places to 135th due to an escalation of repression.
By contrast, Syria leapt 36 places to 141st following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Only seven countries in northern Europe are ranked 'good', with Norway receiving the highest rating, while France sits at 25th with a 'satisfactory' score.
