World Press Freedom Index 2023

About World Press Freedom Index 2023:

• It is an annual report published by the global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
• Purpose: Compare the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories.
• The ranking is based on five categories --  political, legislative, economic, sociocultural and safety of journalists.
• Highlights of the 2023 Report:
  • India is ranked 161 out of 180 countries. Press freedom in India has gone from “problematic” to “very bad”, with the country slipping 11 ranks since the 2022 report.
  • Except for Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173) and China (179), all other neighbours have a better rank than India -- Bhutan (90), Nepal (95), Sri Lanka (135), Pakistan (150), Afghanistan (152).
  • India was positioned 169 in political indicators while it was 144 in legislative, 155 in economic, 143 in social indicators and 172 in the safety of journalists.
  • Norway is ranked first for the seventh consecutive year. 

Key Facts about Reporters Without Borders (RSF):

• It is an international NGO whose self-proclaimed aim is to defend and promote media freedom.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• It has consultative status with the United Nations.
• RSF defines press freedom as “the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal and social interference and in   the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety.”