Watchdog says press freedom is in decline

World press freedom deteriorated in 2015, especially in the Americas, advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said yesterday 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 report warned of a climate of fear that has seen world leaders “developing a form of paranoia about legitimate journalism.” Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of the Paris-based group, said there had been a decline in quality of journalism in all parts of the world, with Latin America being 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.

“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 and graft in Brazil. Among the lowest ranked were Syria at 177th place, just below China (176), but above North Korea (179) and last placed Eritrea.