Watchdog: Press freedom declines around the world
Reporters Without Borders: ‘The climate of fear results in a growing aversion to debate and pluralism’
WASHINGTON
— Media freedom around the world has suffered a “deep and disturbing
decline” due to by pressure from governments and businesses, an
international media watchdog said Wednesday.
The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said in an annual report
that many of the world’s leaders have developed “a paranoia” about
journalism and are clamping down on the media, while coverage in
privately owned outlets is increasingly shaped by corporate interests.
“The climate of fear results in a growing aversion to debate and
pluralism,” said Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters
Without Borders. “Journalism worthy of the name must be defended against
the increase in propaganda and media content that is made to order or
sponsored by vested interests.”
