Global press freedom has decreased in approximately a quarter of the nations assessed by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The decline in press freedom has been noted across all regions: 15 countries in Africa, 15 in Europe, 6 in the Americas, and 6 in the Asia-Pacific region. IDEA has described the press decline as the most dramatic in 50 years.
The international decline in press freedom
Since 1975, the drop in press freedom has been more far-reaching than ever before. With the downturn being felt globally, at least 43 nations have shown clear media freedom deterioration, the steepest in recent history. The suppression of the press can be attributed to governance weakening across the world. This decrease undermines public debate and the journalistic capacity to challenge institutional power. This also brings to light that governmental and institutional protection of press freedom is the key to securing media stability and democratic recovery.
In some countries, journalists are now facing legal, financial, and physical threats, with governments using censorship, defamation laws, and disinformation as tools. With economic stress pressuring the global media landscape, media vulnerability is at stake, with fewer independent outlets surviving. The watchdog report frames press freedom as a crisis that calls for urgent policy responses. Without swift global action, the decline in journalism and press freedom could fall into an irreversible decline.
Interconnected erosion of democratic pillars
According to the watchdog, the following is being seen across the world:
- 54% of countries suffered losses in democratic dimensions.
- Credible elections declined in 35 countries (approximately 20%).
- Effective parliaments declined in 32 countries (approximately 19%).
- 71 countries performed badly in the rule of law.
- At its weakest level since 2021, representation fell in 21 countries.
Continuing through 2024, the nine-year streak has shown that press collapse is intersected with institutional failures. Governments have been given more freedom to manipulate media due to weak elections and institutions giving more leeway, which negatively impacts the protection of journalistic rights. Restoring any peace within the press realm requires the strengthening of other diplomatic pillars, with reforms addressing judicial independence, electoral integrity, and diplomatic representation.
Regional variations amid global backsliding
Although a decline in press freedom was seen in countries spanning across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific regions, some countries have shifted the trend positively.
Regional progress
In terms of regional progress, Africa shows that diplomatic resilience is still possible, with the region accounting for 24% of all nations making progress. Europe remains relatively stronger despite individual market declines. The Americas, however, show mixed patterns, with slips and stability witnessed across the region. Asia-Pacific was largely stable, showing small declines or small increases in stability.
The are many factors influencing both national and regional decline in press freedom due to diplomatic and institutional drivers. Regional drivers include authoritarianism, media capture, censorship, and conflict. Factors such as civil war, institutional strength, and historical media impact national press freedom. There are outlier markets that are currently leading internationally by providing examples and lessons for reform strategies. The comparison between these nations is especially important for the overall advancement of regions.
Important country developments
The following list expresses improvements seen across the globe:
- South Africa and Botswana: Improvement in credible elections.
- Jordan: The 2024 elections were applauded for increased fairness.
- Chile: Major advances in freedom of expression.
- Brazil: Improved judicial independence and an effective parliament.
- Poland: Rights, rule of law, and representation advances.
The world is at a metaphorical fork in the road, with press freedom standing as a representation of diplomatic, democratic, and institutional declines. Without reform, press freedom losses will continue; however, reform is possible when looking at the nations that are not following the current regional declines. One thing is clear: press and media revival is only possible if paired with institutional reform.