An annual report by Freedom House said press freedom saw notable declines in Europe. It said press freedom is declining around the world, with democratic governments joining authoritarian regimes in seeking to suppress independent journalism. The report also said that US President Donald Trump’s vilification of the press has “seriously exacerbated an ongoing erosion of public confidence in the mainstream media.”
The impact of Trump’s effort has been to undermine free press because journalists around the world now have less reason to believe that Washington will come to their aid if their rights are violated,” Freedom House said.
See full report here
Freedom House said that there is a populist trend in which leaders present themselves as “defenders of an aggrieved majority” and seek to discredit independent media and suppress open debate.
Modest gains in press freedom were seen in countries where democracy is strengthening including Ethiopia, Malaysia, Ecuador and Gambia, the report said.
Via VOA
