Context
Recently, the latest edition of World Press Freedom Index was released by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Key Highlights
- RSF defines press freedom as ‘the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety’.
World Press Freedom Index
- It is posted annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that ranks 180 countries and regions in line with the level of freedom to be had to reporters.
- It has been published every year since 2002.
- It affords a picture of the media freedom state of affairs based on an assessment of pluralism, independence of the media, best of legislative framework, and safety of journalists in each country and region.
- It is primarily based on the principle of emulation between states and has grown in influence over governments due to its well-known status.
- The press freedom questionnaire covers 5 categories — political context, legal framework, economic context, socio-cultural context and security.
Key Findings of the World Press Freedom Index (2024)
- Threat to Press Freedom: Press freedom around the world is being threatened by all those who should be its guarantors – political authorities.
- Decline in Political Indicator: Of the 5 indicators used to bring together the rating, it’s miles the political indicator that has fallen maximum, registering a global average fall of 7.6 factors.
- It suggests a worrying trend of political pressures impacting journalism.
- Failure of Governments to Protect Journalism: A developing number of governments and political authorities aren’t fulfilling their function as guarantors of the best possible environment for journalism and for the general public’s proper to dependable, independent, and numerous information and facts.
- Increase in State Pressure and Hostile Actions: There is an increase in pressure from the state or other political actors that undermine the function of journalists, or maybe instrumentalise the media via campaigns of harassment or disinformation.
- Lack of International Will: At the international level, there may be a clear lack of political will on the part of the worldwide community to put into effect the ideas of protection of journalists, especially UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (on protection of journalists and associated media personnel in armed conflict).
Global Scenario
- The World Press Freedom Index (2024) discovered a two-fold increase in ‘polarisation’ amplified by information chaos.
- It refers to media polarisation fuelling divisions inside countries, in addition to polarisation among nations on the international level.
- Norway, Denmark, and Sweden occupied the pinnacle positions in press freedom, while Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea constituted the lowest 3.
India’s Position in the Index
- India’s rating within the World Press Freedom Index has seen a decline over time.
- In 2022, India was ranked 150th out of 180 countries.
- However, in 2023, India’s ranking slipped further to 161st.
- In 2024, India’s rating within the World Press Freedom Index fell from 36.62 to 31.28, but its rank stepped forward from 161 in 2023 to 159 in 2024.
- It was due to different countries slipping off their scores.
Conclusion
- The freedom of the clicking is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It plays an important role in the functioning of a democratic society. However, with this freedom comes responsibility.
- The press should make certain that the information they present is correct and serves the interest of human beings.
- The balance among freedom and duty is fundamental to keeping a healthy democracy.
- The World Press Freedom Index highlights the demanding situations faced by newshounds and the media, and underscores the importance of a free press in preserving a healthy democracy.
- Despite the concerning decline in scores for a few countries, the index continues to be a beacon of hope, advocating for the rights of journalists and the media worldwide.
Source: The Indian Express
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