Reporters Without Borders: Global press freedom reaches record low as authoritarian threats increase

PARIS — Press freedom worldwide has reached its lowest recorded level, according to the latest global ranking released by Reporters Without Borders (RWB). The report highlights Europe as the region with the highest levels of press freedom but underscores growing challenges globally.

RWB’s analysis for 2025 reveals that more than half of the world’s population lives in countries where press conditions are classified as “very serious.” The report warns that independent journalism continues to be a significant challenge for authoritarian rulers, leading to heightened restrictions and risks for journalists.

Europe remains the region where journalists experience the greatest degree of freedom. Norway retains its position as the global leader in press freedom, followed by Estonia and the Netherlands. Conversely, China, North Korea, and Eritrea are ranked at the bottom of the list, occupying positions 178 through 180. Only seven countries received a “good” rating, all of which are in Europe.

The report also highlights the growing threat of financial instability to media sustainability worldwide. Economic hardships, coupled with increasing authoritarian pressures and fragile security conditions, pose significant risks to independent journalism.

“If media outlets run out of financial resources, who will expose disinformation and propaganda? Alongside our daily fight for journalists’ safety, we are also working to strengthen the economic foundations of journalism,” stated RWB Executive Director Anja Osterhaus.