Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressure

The World Press Freedom Index, which assessed 180 countries, finds established journalism is ‘being asphyxiated’

Press freedom around the world is at its lowest ebb in a generation, according to an influential annual index that highlights growing authoritarian pressure on the media.

The average score for the 180 countries assessed by the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), was the lowest in the index’s 25-year history.