Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressure

April 30, 2026

TL;DR

Global press freedom is at its lowest ebb in 25 years, according to the World Press Freedom Index.
More than half of the 180 assessed countries are in 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories for press freedom.
Authoritarian pressure, restrictive legal arsenals (especially national security laws), and the criminalization of journalism are key factors in the decline.
Political hostility towards the press and difficult business models for media outlets are 'asphyxiating' established journalism.
Donald Trump's attacks contributed to the US falling to 64th place, and similar trends were seen across the Americas.
Vladimir Putin is noted for using laws against terrorism and extremism to restrict press freedom, with Russia holding 48 journalists.
Legal restrictions on the press recorded the biggest decline in the survey's categories.
War zones like Gaza and Sudan have seen significant journalist casualties and restricted access.
The UK ranked 18th, with concerns raised about online abuse and the physical safety of journalists.
Norway topped the index for the 10th year, while Eritrea ranked last.
News organizations have issued a joint statement calling for Israel to lift its ban on foreign journalists independently entering Gaza.

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