Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published its 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
This reveals a general decline in the state of press freedom worldwide.
Violations are increasingly less the prerogative of authoritarian regimes and dictatorships alone. A normalization of attacks against the media is noticeable, facilitated by the triumph of strongmen who are pushing the world into the era of post-truth, propaganda, and repression even in democracies.
In the face of this general decline, it is urgent to mobilize to defend and preserve the freedom of information worldwide. Because yes, there are contests where what matters is not just to participate.
France ranks 39th in the 2017 Press Freedom Index published by RSF.
The year was marked by repeated attacks on the media during the electoral campaign, a trend towards concentration, and situations of conflicts of interest that raise great concerns for editorial independence.
France has climbed six places in the 2017 Press Freedom Index to reach the 39th position, although the situation for journalists is far from having improved. This “mechanical” rise occurs after the exceptional drop the country experienced with the Charlie Hebdo attack, allowing it to return to its 2014 level.
In 2017, it ranks ahead of the United Kingdom (40th position, -2 places) and the United States (43rd, -2). However, it lags far behind Germany (16th).
The presidential election campaign was marked by attacks of rare intensity.
“Criticism of the media in general and journalistic practices is obviously legitimate,” declares Christophe Deloire, RSF’s Secretary-General. “Unfortunately, too many political leaders go much further by making unworthy and dangerous accusations that actually challenge the independence of the press, the free exercise of journalism, and pluralism.”
Promised by François Hollande, a new law strengthening the protection of source confidentiality generated much hope within the profession this year. However, it was struck down by the Constitutional Council, which deemed it too restrictive. Consequently, the currently applicable framework remains the inadequately protective 2010 Dati law.
RSF has strongly regretted this setback and called on legislators to promptly propose a new text so that a truly protective framework for journalists’ sources can finally be established.
On the occasion of the presidential campaign, RSF presented five recommendations to the candidates and asked the future President of the Republic to make firm commitments to guarantee the freedom and independence of information in France at the level expected of a great democracy.
Combat media concentration and ensure transparency of ownership
Adopt a new law on the protection of source confidentiality
Fight against abusive legal proceedings targeting journalists
Create an offense of influence peddling applied to the information sector
Facilitate and expand access to public documents for all.
