It will probably surprise some, but the decision is in. The USA, despite its First Amendment, ranks poorly in press freedom. Who says? Reporters Without Borders.
The Huffington Post reports in "Is America Still a Beacon for Press Freedom?":
"The United States of America -- land of the free, home of the First Amendment -- is supposed to be a beacon for the rest of the world. So where do we stand in the latest global rankings of press freedom?
Thirty-sixth.
That's not a typo. It's a national disgrace.
The Press Freedom Index released last week by Reporters Without Borders reflects both the freedoms journalists enjoy as well as the "efforts made by the authorities to respect and ensure respect for this freedom."
The annual rankings examine the way that financial pressures lead to self-censorship in the press, government abuses of the press, as well as murders, imprisonment and physical abuse of journalists.
While there are currently no jailed journalists in America, Reporters Without Borders said there are many concerns about the U.S. media. "Journalists are guardians of democracy whose rights must be protected around the world, not least in the United States, to which emerging democracies look for guidance, and where free speech is an inalienable right explicitly protected by the Constitution," Reporters Without Borders declared. "This situation is unacceptable for the country known for its First Amendment rights."
The Huffington Post reports in "Is America Still a Beacon for Press Freedom?":
"The United States of America -- land of the free, home of the First Amendment -- is supposed to be a beacon for the rest of the world. So where do we stand in the latest global rankings of press freedom?
Thirty-sixth.
That's not a typo. It's a national disgrace.
The Press Freedom Index released last week by Reporters Without Borders reflects both the freedoms journalists enjoy as well as the "efforts made by the authorities to respect and ensure respect for this freedom."
The annual rankings examine the way that financial pressures lead to self-censorship in the press, government abuses of the press, as well as murders, imprisonment and physical abuse of journalists.
While there are currently no jailed journalists in America, Reporters Without Borders said there are many concerns about the U.S. media. "Journalists are guardians of democracy whose rights must be protected around the world, not least in the United States, to which emerging democracies look for guidance, and where free speech is an inalienable right explicitly protected by the Constitution," Reporters Without Borders declared. "This situation is unacceptable for the country known for its First Amendment rights."
Comments
Have a look at how the RSF figures list the UK pretty low, but the reality on the street is very different.
http://current.com/items/89284474_press_freedom_collateral_damage
Feel free to get in touch.
http://jasonnparkinson.blogspot.com/
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