US Ranks Last Among G7 in RSF World Press Freedom Index

The United States has dropped to a historic low in the annual press freedom rankings by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), falling seven places to 64th out of 180 countries. The organization reported that the US remains in the 'problematic' category, continuing a decade-long decline.

Globally, press freedom has reached its lowest level in 25 years, with only 1 percent of the world's population living in countries with a 'good' media environment. ' Rising violence against journalists in conflict zones, worsening legal pressures, and political attacks on media were cited as key factors.

Norway topped the list, while Eritrea ranked lowest.

RSF attributed the US decline to administration policies and media consolidation. Critics argue that consolidation opens the door to stifling certain points of view. The report highlighted Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global, which includes CBS News, and its ongoing acquisition of Warner Bros, which owns CNN.

Skydance is owned by David Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, is described as a confidant of the administration. Six companies now control most US media: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Sony, and Amazon. The organization stated that these factors contribute to a press freedom crisis in the US.

In March, Carr stated he would revoke licenses of broadcasters running 'hoaxes and news distortions' and not operating in the public interest, particularly in reporting on the US-Israel war with Iran. The president expressed being thrilled by Carr's statements.