Reporters Without Borders Releases 2017 Press Freedom Rankings


fourth estate newReporters Without Borders, an international non-governmental organization, has released their annual press freedom ranking. Norway took first place, displacing former first place Finland. North Korea took last place in the ranking after Eritrea moved up one position. Eritrea had been in last place since 2007.

In 62.2% of the countries, the amount of press freedom lessened. The group also cited the rise of strongmen throughout the world and media bashing as among the reasons for the declining quality. In regards to President Donald Trump’s election and Brexit, they wrote, “Donald Trump’s rise to power in the United States and the Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom were marked by high-profile media bashing, a highly toxic anti-media discourse that drove the world into a new era of post-truth, disinformation, and fake news.”

The United States and the United Kingdom both fell two spots. The United States is ranked 43rd, but is considered a satisfactory situation.

By region, the European Union and the Balkans had the freest media, followed by the Americas. The Middle East and North Africa were the worst region, but their score was not much worse than Eastern Europe and Central Asia’s score.


About Tyler

Tyler is the chief media reporter for TKNN, with the news organization since its founding in November of 2010. He has previously served as chief political reporter and chief political anchor for TKNN.

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