Latest news with #2025WorldPressFreedomIndex
Business Insider
13 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
South Africa leads Africa in the latest global press freedom ranking
Only three African countries rank in the top 30 globally, while economic pressure, political control, and insecurity undermine press freedom across the continent. The 2025 World Press Freedom Index ranks South Africa 27th, marking it as the top African nation for press freedom. Namibia and Cape Verde also feature in the top 30 globally, showcasing their commitment to press freedom standards. The report highlights the interplay between economic and political instability and diminished media freedom across the continent. In the newly released 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), South Africa has been ranked as the most press-friendly country in Africa, placing 27th out of 180 countries globally, a notable jump of 11 positions from its ranking last year. The country retains its position in the 'satisfactory' category, lauded for its reliable legal protections, pluralistic media landscape, and relative independence from government and corporate interference. Namibia (28th) and Cape Verde (30th) also rank in the same category, joining a small group of African countries that uphold press freedom standards alongside European and Asian counterparts. However, the continental trend remains concerning, with most African nations falling into the "difficult" or "very serious" press freedom zones and several experiencing record declines in media safety, legal protection, and financial sustainability. What the World Press Freedom Index Measures The World Press Freedom Index evaluates media freedom in 180 countries and territories using five key indicators: Political context, Legal framework; Economic context; Sociocultural context and Safety of journalists Score Range Zone African Countries Meaning [85 - 100 points] Good Journalism is fully protected; few or no constraints. [70 - 85 points] Satisfactory South Africa (27), Namibia (28), Cape Verde (30) Media is mostly free, but vulnerable to institutional or commercial pressure [55 - 70 points] Problematic Ghana (49), Mauritius (50), Senegal (74), Seychelles (59), Botswana (65), Malawi (72), Gabon (41) Structural issues and pressure from political or economic actors exist. [40 - 55 points] Difficult Nigeria (122), Tunisia (129), Cameroon (131), DR Congo (133), Somalia (136), Libya (137), Kenya (117), Benin (92), Togo (121), Guinea (103), Burkina Faso (105), Mali (119), Uganda (143), Burundi (125) Press freedom is significantly constrained; journalists often self-censor [0 - 40 points] Very Serious Rwanda (146), Ethiopia (145), Egypt (170), Eritrea (180 Journalism is dangerous or impossible; extreme censorship and violence occur RSF's findings highlight a concerning trajectory between economic elites' influence over media and editorial self-censorship. In many African countries, media outlets rely heavily on advertising revenue from state actors or politically aligned corporations, compromising their independence. Although some African nations demonstrate stability and openness, the media advocacy agency warns that the economic and political climate in much of Africa is becoming increasingly hostile to journalism. Despite challenges, RSF identifies South Africa, Namibia, and Cape Verde as examples of how legal protections, institutional accountability, and civic engagement can safeguard press freedom.
Observer
09-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Balancing rights in age of Artificial Intelligence
Media remains a vital force in shaping public opinion and influencing national development. In today's fast-evolving technological era, the role of the press has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, becoming a central pillar of modern societies. With this in mind, World Press Freedom Day 2025, marked on May 3, prompts a timely reflection on the current state of journalism. Unesco's theme for this year, 'Freedom of Expression in the Face of Artificial Intelligence,' explores the impact of AI on journalism and media freedom. Their report, 'Journalism in a Bold New World,' highlights how AI tools are transforming information gathering, processing and dissemination. While AI enables greater efficiency and improved fact-checking, translation and audience targeting, it also poses serious risks to privacy, journalistic independence and freedom of expression. The OECD's AI Safety Report (January 2025) further warns that AI can be used to spread misinformation, magnify hate speech and increase surveillance — threats that directly challenge press freedom. AI platforms, the report notes, often republish media content without compensation, diverting revenue from news organisations to tech firms. This trend jeopardises the financial sustainability of independent media and raises urgent questions about copyright enforcement and fair content use. Coinciding with these discussions, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, covering 160 countries. The index uses five criteria: legal, political, economic, cultural and safety conditions. Findings show global press freedom is at its lowest level to date, with over half of the world's population living in nations deemed 'very serious' in terms of restrictions. Norway tops the list, followed by Estonia and the Netherlands. The RSF report calls economic fragility a primary threat. Advertising pressure, reduced public support and platform monopolies have pushed many outlets into financial hardship. In 2024 alone, global ad spending on social media reached $247.3 billion — up 14% from the previous year — further draining funds from traditional journalism and amplifying disinformation. The report also highlights severe repression in Palestine, where Israeli military action has destroyed newsrooms, killed around 200 journalists and enforced an 18-month siege on Gaza. The Middle East and North Africa region remains one of the most dangerous for journalists, with similar challenges seen in Syria and Yemen. In this context, Oman advanced to 134th place in the global index. However, the ranking does not fully reflect the country's recent media reforms. Notably, Oman's 2024 Media Law (Royal Decree 58/2024) ensures press freedom and independence. Furthermore, the government's AI safety policy addresses the ethical use of digital tools, including measures to protect freedom of expression and privacy in AI applications. Oman continues to voice support for press freedom internationally, condemning attacks on journalists and media institutions. Its media sector regularly addresses sensitive topics — from corruption to public service reform — highlighting the country's commitment to responsible expression within legal bounds. Still, challenges remain. Local media, especially private outlets, need stronger economic support to compete with social platforms dominating advertising. Strengthening journalist protection, professional development and funding frameworks will be vital to sustaining Oman's progress. As AI reshapes global journalism, Oman offers a model for balancing innovation with accountability. It champions a form of press freedom rooted in national values, ethical practice and shared responsibility — ensuring that journalism remains a tool for truth, development and dialogue. The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on May 04, 2025. Aisha al Darmaki is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council. Translated by Badr al Dhafari
Days of Palestine
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
Israel's Genocide Killed 213 Journalists, Making Gaza Deadliest Place for Media
DayofPal– At least 213 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the start of Israel's genocide on Gaza in October 2023, according to Gaza's Government Media Office, making it the deadliest war for media professionals in modern history. The latest victim, journalist Nour Abdu, was killed Wednesday while reporting on an Israeli airstrike targeting the Al-Karama school in Gaza City's Tuffah neighborhood. The school, which had been sheltering displaced families, was hit twice in quick succession, with the second strike reportedly occurring as civilians attempted to retrieve the dead and wounded from the first blast. In a statement condemning the killing, the Government Media Office said: 'We strongly denounce the targeting, killing, and assassination of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli occupation. We call on the International Federation of Journalists, the Federation of Arab Journalists, and all global press bodies to condemn these systematic crimes against Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip.' The ongoing war has drawn international condemnation over its devastating toll on journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently labeled Palestine the 'most dangerous place in the world for journalists' in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index. The organization reported that nearly 200 media workers have been killed since the war began, at least 42 of them while actively reporting in the field. 'Trapped in the enclave, journalists in Gaza have no shelter and lack basic necessities, including food and water,' RSF said. It also highlighted ongoing threats against journalists in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces and settlers have reportedly carried out a wave of arrests and attacks since October 7, 2023. The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs described the situation as 'the worst ever conflict for journalists,' in its recent report titled 'News Graveyards: How Dangers to War Reporters Endanger the World.' According to the institute, the number of journalists killed in Gaza has surpassed the combined media fatalities of major war including the U.S. Civil War, both World Wars, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, the wars in the Balkans, and the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan. The report found that in 2023, a journalist or media worker was killed every four days, with that frequency rising to one every three days in 2024. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented a record number of journalist deaths in 2024, with Israel responsible for over two-thirds. At least 85 journalists were killed by Israeli forces last year, 82 of them Palestinian. CPJ also criticized Israel for obstructing investigations into the killings and failing to hold its military accountable. Jodie Ginsberg, CPJ's president, said, 'The war in Gaza is unprecedented in its impact on journalists and marks a major erosion of international norms meant to protect reporters in conflict zones.' Echoing these concerns, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called 2024 'one of the worst years' for journalists and condemned the killings as a 'massacre taking place in Palestine before the eyes of the entire world.' The Center for Protecting Palestinian Journalists (PJPS) has also accused Israel of committing widespread human rights violations by targeting members of the press, saying the killings are part of an effort to silence the Palestinian narrative. Despite the mounting toll, Palestinian journalists continue to report from the ground amid the destruction, determined to bear witness to a war that has claimed the lives of so many of their colleagues. Shortlink for this post:
Epoch Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Hong Kong Drops to Lowest Category in Press Freedom Rankings
An annual index of press freedom has for the first time placed Hong Kong alongside mainland China in its worst 'very serious' category. Hong Kong scored 39.86 out of 100—the lowest score for the former British colony on record—in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Published on May 2, the index shows that RSF pointed out that at the judicial level, since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forced the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) in 2020 to suppress independent voices, Hong Kong's press freedom has experienced an But its vague definition of the crimes mean that the NSL could apply to any journalist reporting on Hong Kong, regardless of whether they reside in the city. The crime of 'incitement' has also been widely used to prosecute journalists. Addition of 'espionage,' 'stealing state secrets,' and 'external interference,' through the enactment of the 'Safeguarding National Security Ordinance' in 2024 further expanded the legal threats faced by journalists. RSF also mentioned that most of Hong Kong's major media are currently owned by pro-Beijing camps, while owners of independent media face political pressure. Two major independent media outlets in Hong Kong, Apple Daily and Stand News, were forced to cease operations in 2021 and had their assets were frozen by the SAR government. Related Stories 4/8/2025 4/2/2025 'Stand News' is a well-known online media in Hong Kong. It was once ranked first in credibility in a Apple Daily used to be one of the best-selling newspapers in Hong Kong. Its founder, As for security, RSF mentioned that before 2014, it was quite safe to work as a journalist in Hong Kong. But in recent years, there have been cases of journalists being arrested and subjected to violence at the hands of some police. In 2024, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) stated that dozens of their members were subjected to organized harassment. RSF has been publishing its Press Freedom Index since 2002. Hong Kong's ranking has gradually declined from 18th in the world in 2002 and once fell to 148th in 2022, although its score then was still considered 'difficult' at 41.64 points. It was only in 2025 that Hong Kong's press situation was downgraded to the 'very serious' situation category for the first time in the city's history, despite ranking slightly higher. Mainland China ranked 178th this year, third from the bottom among 180 countries and regions, with 113 journalists imprisoned. It scored 14.8 out of 100. China, under the communist party's rule, is Meanwhile Taiwan, which is a liberal democracy, ranks high at
Iraqi News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq improves in 2025 World Press Freedom Index
Baghdad ( – Iraq has climbed to 155th place globally in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2025 World Press Freedom Index, an improvement from 169th in 2024 and 172nd in 2023. The Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq highlighted the ranking on Saturday (May 3, 2025), while noting an 'unprecedented deterioration' in press freedom worldwide. Fadel Al-Gharawi, head of the center, acknowledged the progress but emphasized persistent challenges. While ranking above some regional neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Iraq still tragically holds the record for the most journalists killed globally over the past 30 years (over 340). Al-Gharawi cited ongoing issues like restrictive laws, lack of media independence, and impunity for attacks against journalists as major concerns across the region and globally. The rights center strongly urged the Iraqi government and parliament to enact crucial legislation, including a 'Right to Access Information' law and a comprehensive press freedom protection law. Al-Gharawi called for enhanced security for journalists, prosecution of attackers to end impunity, and revising restrictive laws to align with international standards and the Iraqi constitution. While welcoming the improved ranking, the center stressed that sustained legislative and protective measures are vital for fostering true press freedom and democracy in Iraq, calling it a national responsibility.
