The Price of Freedom: Editor’s Note—Summer 2023

Abstract

This year marks the 30th anniversary since the U.N. General Assembly established World Press Freedom in 1993. Yet, while there has been progress globally in achieving a free press and free expression, there are still significant concerns when it comes to journalist safety, establishing a true freedom of expression, and the continued support of the notion of free media. Specifically, a 2022 report from the Pew Research Center revealed that a majority of U.S. journalists (approximately six in 10 journalists) said they are “extremely” or “very concerned” about potential restrictions on press freedom (Forman-Katz & Naseer, 2023). From an international perspective, the World Press Freedom Index (which evaluates the journalism environment in 180 countries and territories) reveled that the situation is “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42 countries, “problematic” in 55 countries, and “good” in 52 countries. To put it another way, the journalism environment is “bad” in seven out of 10 countries and only three out of 10 countries have a “satisfactory” journalism environment (Reporters Without Borders, 2023). Specifically, this most recent index ranked Norway at the top of the list of countries most favorable of press freedom, followed by Ireland and Denmark. In contrast, Vietnam, China, and North Korea ranked at the bottom of the list. The United States ranked 45th on the index, which may explain why a majority of journalists in the country worry about the well-being of press freedom. According to Reporters without Borders, there are several potential factors threatening press freedom, including increases in propaganda, the use of artificial intelligence, and the increased presence of fake content. The group suggested in its 2023 report,