World press freedom deteriorated in 2015, especially in the Americas, advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday as it released its annual rankings, warning of "a new era of propaganda".
The World Press Freedom Index ranks 180 countries on indicators such as media independence, self-censorship, the rule of law, transparency and abuses.
This year's index saw a decline in all parts of the world, Christophe Deloire, secretary general of the Paris-based group told AFP, with Latin America of particular concern.
"All of the indicators show a deterioration. Numerous authorities are trying to regain control of their countries, fearing overly open public debate," he said.
"Today, it is increasingly easy for powers to appeal directly to the public through new technologies, and so there is a greater degree of violence against those who represent independent information," he added.
"We are entering a new era of propaganda where new technologies allow the low-cost dissemination of their own communication, their information, as dictated. On the other side, journalists are the ones who get in the way."
The situation was particularly grave in Latin America, the report said, highlighting "institutional violence" in Venezuela and Ecuador, organised crime in Honduras, impunity in Colombia, corruption in Brazil and media concentration in Argentina as the main obstacles to press freedom.
Among the lowest ranked countries were Syria, at 177th place out of 180, just below China (176th) but above North Korea (179th) and last placed Eritrea.
Japan slumped to 72nd due to what the watchdog identified as self-censorship towards Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while Finland retained its top spot for the sixth consecutive year, followed by the Netherlands and Norway.
GMT 16:10 2018 Friday ,14 December
Bahrain press headlines For 14 Dec 2018GMT 14:44 2018 Friday ,14 December
Lebanese newspapers' headlines for December 14, 2018GMT 10:09 2018 Wednesday ,12 December
Lebanese Newspapers' Headlines For 12/12/2018GMT 19:55 2018 Wednesday ,05 December
Killing mentally-disabled Palestinian in Tulkarem focus of dailiesGMT 19:46 2018 Wednesday ,05 December
Bahrain press headlines For 5 December 2018GMT 14:58 2018 Friday ,30 November
Bahrain press headlines For 30 Nov 2018GMT 14:53 2018 Friday ,30 November
International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People focus of dailiesGMT 11:44 2018 Wednesday ,28 November
Seizure of church property in Jordan Valley focus of dailiesMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor