"No One Is Blind": Why is Media Freedom in Serbia in an Ever-Worse Situation?
Serbia marks World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd with its worst results ever. In the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which measures the World Press Freedom Index, our country is classified as having a "difficult situation," ranking 104th, eight places worse than in the previous report.
TL;DR
- Serbia ranks 104th in the World Press Freedom Index, an eight-place drop from the previous year.
- The country is performing worse than all its neighbors in terms of media freedom.
- Experts cite government efforts to suppress information, widespread propaganda, and political pressure on journalists.
- The RSF report notes that while quality investigative journalism exists, it is overshadowed by fake news and propaganda.
- Attacks on journalists by ruling elite members are increasing, with impunity for perpetrators.
- Globally, over half of all countries are now classified as having "difficult" or "very serious" press freedom situations.
- Eastern Europe and the Middle East are identified as the most dangerous regions for journalists.
- Russia (172nd) and Iran (177th) remain among the worst countries for press freedom.