US Ranks Last Among G7 Nations 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.

Carr has also threatened to revoke licenses for coverage of immigration policies, which critics say chills local news organizations. This effort extends to television talk show hosts threatened over jokes. Most recently, Carr announced an investigation into several ABC channels following a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about the White House Correspondents Dinner.

' Days later, a gunman attempted to storm the dinner in Washington, DC, which the president attended for the first time. The administration connected the joke to the attack and called for Kimmel's firing, though Kimmel clarified it was not a call for violence.

Cruz criticized the FCC's move, stating he does not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police. The White House has repeatedly described the president as the most transparent in US history, citing regular news conferences. RSF called for protecting legal rights, ensuring accountability for attacks on media professionals, and supporting independent media to restore press freedom.

Additionally, it referenced broader contexts like the Voting Rights Act and costs of the Iran war, but without specific ties to press freedom metrics. Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF’s North America office, emphasized the need for action in a statement.

The organization warned of long-term consequences from current policies. Global highlights included worsening conditions worldwide, with no countries improving significantly.