Global Report Warns of Sharp Decline in Press Freedom

Global Press Freedom Hits Lowest in 50 Years By AFP — September 11, 2025 (geo.tv) In a recent report by the Stockholm■based think tank International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), press freedom worldwide has dropped to its lowest point in half a century. Key Findings: - Between 2019 and 2024, more than half of all nations (54%) saw a decline in one or more major democracy indicators. - Press freedom has deteriorated sharply in 43 countries across the globe, spanning all continents. - Some of the steepest falls were recorded in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar, already known for poor press conditions. - South Korea also saw a significant decline, largely due to increased defamation cases initiated by government entities and political allies, and even raids on journalists’ homes. Contributing Factors: - Governments worldwide are increasingly using heavy■handed interventions to suppress free press. - Disinformation (both genuine and as a pretext for crackdowns) is playing a growing role in stifling media freedom. - Local media are disappearing in many countries, which weakens grassroots democratic debate and oversight. Implications & Concerns: IDEA’s Secretary General, Kevin Casas■Zamora, called the situation “very acute deterioration.” The period studied (2019■2024) marks the sharpest decline in press freedom in decades. While this report doesn't cover the first months of 2025 in full, Casas■Zamora warned that developments in places like the United States—where political tensions, media scrutiny, and claims about “fake news” continue to escalate—could further threaten global democratic norms. Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/623139-global-press-freedom-hits-lowest-in-50-years