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Global Press Freedom Reaches 25-Year Low, U.S. Ranks 64th in Annual Index
Press freedom worldwide has declined to its lowest point in 25 years, according to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders. The U.S. fell to 64th place, marking a historic low in the rankings. The index was published ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
May 3, 4:43 AM·1m read4 sources
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France 24Audio version
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Press freedom around the world has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, as detailed in the annual index from Reporters Without Borders, also known as RSF. The organization released its 2026 World Press Freedom Index ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
The U.S. ranked 64th globally in the index, representing a historic all-time low for the country. This assessment comes from Reporters Without Borders, which tracks press freedom metrics across nations.
Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Without Borders, discussed the state of press freedom in an interview with France 24. To mark the occasion, RSF partner Cartooning for Peace released short animated films based on cartoons by three artists from its network.
The artists include Russian cartoonist Mikhail Zlatkovsky, Canadian cartoonist Serge Chapleau Coté, and Turkish artist Zehra Doğan.
The index highlights ongoing challenges to journalism globally.
Reporters Without Borders emphasized the continued decline in press freedoms over the past quarter-century.
