Global press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, according to a report released April 30, 2026 [3].

The decline indicates a worsening environment for journalists worldwide, suggesting that the ability to report news without interference is eroding on a systemic scale.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century [1]. The organization said that more than 50% of the world's countries are now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” status [3].

Very few countries currently maintain a “good” rating. RSF said the sharp decline in scores is the result of worsening conditions for journalists globally [2, 3].

Specific national rankings also show volatility. Italy's ranking fell from 49th place last year to 56th place this year [5].

“More than half of the world’s countries are classified as ‘difficult’ or ‘very serious’,” RSF said [3].

“Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century.”

The findings suggest a global trend toward the restriction of information and the targeting of journalists. When a majority of nations fall into 'difficult' or 'very serious' categories, it indicates that press freedom is no longer the exception but the rarity, potentially limiting public access to transparent governance and accountability.