Nice-Premium Files: Reporters Without Borders publishes its 2010 World Press Freedom Index

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Some considerations are necessary before the publication of the synthesis of Reporters Without Borders’ 2010 report, which establishes the press freedom ranking.

We know that the profession has become complicated due to objective conditions that make it difficult to strike a fair balance between media as a pure information tool and a pure commercial product. The increasing presence of financial and industrial groups in ownership narrows the spaces for intellectual independence. Moreover, the cultural shift towards populism and sensationalism means arguments and language must adapt to trends. The opacity of relationships with political, business, and entertainment worlds is increasing, and favoritism is an irresistible element for the success of certain careers.

But all this, if true and accepted,
Isn’t there too much resignation from those who should be the sentinels of their intellectual independence? Aren’t there too many “subjects” who become “objects” serving others? Finally, aren’t there too many people who bow down instead of being “vertical shadows”?

For a critical examination and rediscovered courage, it would be good not to forget these beautiful verses: “Roots are all very well, but in the tree, what leaves one dreaming are the branches, the leaves, the flowers and the fruits.”

So why give up being simply oneself?

RSF Ranking – Survey 2010

The ninth edition of this ranking places France only at the 44th position while the northern European states remain at the top of the countries “where it is good to be a journalist”.
RSF points out that “the European Union is not a homogeneous entity in terms of press freedom,” and that “the gap between the good and bad pupils is widening”.

Like Italy (49th), France is among the poor performers.
“France loses yet another place,” notes RSF, adding that the presidential majority has had very threatening, sometimes insulting words towards certain media (…) These statements have had a global resonance and, in many countries, the French government is no longer seen as respectful of information freedom.”

The association expresses concern about this situation in countries that often want to set themselves up as democratic models:

“It is worrying to see that several EU member states continue to lose places in the ranking. If it does not pull itself together, the European Union risks losing its status as a world leader in the field of respect for human rights. How will it then be convincing when it asks authoritarian regimes to make improvements? It is urgent that European countries regain their exemplary status.”

Dictatorships Tighten Their Grip

RSF also notes that the group of the most repressive countries has expanded. “More than ever, we observe that economic development, institutional reforms, and respect for fundamental rights do not necessarily go hand in hand,” said Jean-François Julliard, secretary-general of the organization, commenting on the ninth edition of the ranking.
“We are concerned about the stiffening of certain governments. Rwanda, Yemen, and Syria have joined Burma and North Korea in the group of the most repressive countries towards journalists. This trend does not bode well for 2011,” adds Mr. Julliard.

For the first time since the creation of the annual ranking in 2002, Cuba is not among the last ten, but still occupies the 166th place out of 178.

To the “infernal trio, Eritrea, North Korea, Turkmenistan” are added Iran, Burma, Syria, Sudan, China, Yemen, and Rwanda.