How to Protect Freedom of the Press

Section 1: Top 35 Countries with the Highest Freedom of the Press

Data source: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2023. Rankings reflect countries with populations over 5 million people.

Reporters Without Borders – World Press Freedom IndexSource:

The United States currently ranks 31 out of the top 35 countries with populations over 5 million people in the RSF World Press Freedom Index 2023, with a score of 61.23. The United States' ranking reflects ongoing concerns about press freedom, including hostility toward journalists, concentration of media ownership, economic pressures on local news, legal threats such as subpoenas against journalists, lack of a federal shield law protecting sources, and the increasing use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence reporters.

In the year 2022–2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists documented numerous instances of journalists being harassed, arrested, or having their equipment seized while covering protests and public events. The decline in local news coverage has created "news deserts" in many communities, further undermining the public's access to independent journalism.

Regional Press Freedom Overview

Note: A score of 100 represents complete press freedom; 0 represents no press freedom. Data based on 2023 RSF World Press Freedom Index.

References (Section 1):

1. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – World Press Freedom Index: (rsf.org)

2. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): (cpj.org)

3. Freedom House – Freedom of the Press: (freedomhouse.org)

Section 2: What Other Countries Have Done to Increase Their Freedom of the Press

The following table presents the 8 top-rated countries with the highest Freedom of the Press. Each country's policies, initiatives, and programs that contributed to its ranking are described in detail below.

The 8 Top Rated Countries with the Highest Freedom of the Press

Norge (Norway)

Norge consistently ranks first in press freedom worldwide.

The Norge government has implemented a comprehensive media policy framework centered on financial support for independent journalism.

The Media Authority of Norge (Medietilsynet – ) oversees press regulation without censorship powers. (www.medietilsynet.no)

The Press Financial Fund (Mediestøtteordningen – ) provides direct subsidies to newspapers, particularly smaller regional outlets, ensuring pluralism and geographic coverage. (www.medietilsynet.no)

The Norge Union of Journalists (Norsk Journalistlag – ) negotiates strong labor protections for journalists. (nj.no)

The government enacted the Media Liability Act and the Freedom of Information Act, which guarantee editorial independence and access to government records.

Norge's Broadcasting Act explicitly prohibits political interference in editorial decisions at the Norge Broadcasting Corporation (NRK – ). (www.nrk.no)

Strong judicial protections for source confidentiality prevent authorities from compelling journalists to reveal their sources.

Éire (Ireland)

Éire's press freedom is anchored by robust constitutional protections under Article 40.6.1 of the Irish Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

The Broadcasting Authority of Éire (BAI – ), now transitioning to Coimisiún na Meán under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, regulates broadcasting without editorial interference. (www.bai.ie)

The Éire Press Council (www.presscouncil.ie) and the Office of the Press Ombudsman provide independent self-regulation of print and online media.

In 2023, Éire passed the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, creating a new statutory framework for online safety while maintaining press freedom protections.

The Legal Aid Board (www.legalaidboard.ie) provides financial assistance to journalists facing defamation actions.

Éire's Defamation Act 2009 introduced a public interest defense protecting investigative journalism.

The Broadcasting Fund supports independent documentary production through television and radio.

Danmark (Denmark)

Danmark protects press freedom through a combination of legal, institutional, and economic measures.

The Danmark Media Agreement (Medieaftalen – ) allocates public funding to a wide range of media outlets, supporting independent journalism across platforms. (www.kum.dk)

The Danmark Press Council (Pressenævnet – ) handles complaints without government involvement. (www.pressenaevnet.dk)

The Danmark Broadcasting Corporation (DR – ) operates independently under its own charter, shielded from political interference by the Media Liability Act. (www.dr.dk)

Danmark's Access to Public Administration Files Act provides journalists broad access to government records.

The Danmark Journalists Union (Dansk Journalistforbund – ) advocates for journalists' rights and enforces codes of ethics. (journalistforbundet.dk)

Danmark has consistently updated its media support policies to include digital-native outlets, ensuring adaptation to the changing media landscape.

Sverige (Sweden)

Sverige's Freedom of the Press Act of 1766 – the world's oldest – enshrines press freedom at the constitutional level.

The Sverige Press and Broadcasting Authority (MPRT – ) provides press subsidies without editorial control. (www.mprt.se)

The Sverige Press Council (Pressens Opinionsnämnd – ) and the Sverige Press Ombudsman (PO – ) handle complaints through self-regulation. (po.se) (po.se)

The Act on Responsibility for Electronic Bulletin Boards ensures online platform accountability without restricting editorial independence.

Sverige Broadcasting Commission oversees the public broadcaster SVT (www.svt.se) and ensures editorial independence.

The Sverige Journalists Union (Sveriges Journalistförbund – ) provides legal defense for journalists. (www.sjf.se)

Sverige's Principle of Public Access (Offentlighetsprincipen) guarantees broad access to government documents, supporting investigative journalism.

Suomi (Finland)

Suomi's constitutional Act on Freedom of Expression in Mass Media (460/2003) provides a strong legal foundation for press freedom.

The Council for Mass Media in Suomi (JSN – ) independently adjudicates ethical complaints against media. (www.jsn.fi)

The Suomi Broadcasting Company (Yle – ) operates under a unique funding model through a television tax, insulating it from commercial and political pressures. (yle.fi)

The Act on the Openness of Government Activities ensures journalist access to government information.

Suomi's Ministry of Transport and Communications (www.lvm.fi) provides media policy support through grants for digital media development.

The Union of Journalists in Suomi (Suomen Journalistiliitto – ) negotiates protections for freelancers and employed journalists alike. (journalistiliitto.fi)

Suomi has enacted source protection rules that are among the strongest in the world, with court orders required before any journalist-source disclosure.

Portugal

Portugal's constitutional Article 38 explicitly protects press freedom and independence.

The Regulatory Entity for Social Communication (ERC – ) independently regulates media with a mandate to protect press freedom rather than restrict it. (www.erc.pt)

Portugal's Press Law (Law No. 2/99) codifies editorial independence and journalists' rights, including protection of sources.

The Portuguese Journalists Union (Sindicato dos Jornalistas – ) negotiates collective agreements and defends press freedom. (www.jornalistas.eu)

The Portuguese Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual (ICA – ) provides funding for documentary journalism. (www.ica-ip.pt)

Portugal's 2006 Access to Administrative Documents Act gives journalists access to government records. Recent legislative reforms have strengthened anti-SLAPP protections, enabling journalists to challenge frivolous litigation designed to silence reporting.

Schweiz (Switzerland)

Schweiz protects press freedom through both federal and cantonal laws.

The Schweiz Federal Constitution (Article 17) guarantees media freedom.

The Schweiz Press Council (Presserat – ) provides independent ethical oversight without statutory enforcement powers. (www.presserat.ch)

The Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM – ) oversees broadcasting while maintaining editorial independence for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR – ). (www.bakom.admin.ch) (www.srgssr.ch)

The Schweiz Federation of Journalists (SSM/FSJ – ) advocates for press freedom. (www.ssm.ch)

Schweiz law provides strong protection of journalistic sources; Article 172 of the Criminal Procedure Code makes source disclosure an exceptional measure.

Schweiz's Freedom of Information Act (BGÖ) enables journalist access to federal administrative documents.

Public media funding through television licensing fees ensures financial stability for public broadcasting.

Nederland (Netherlands)

The Nederland protects press freedom through Article 7 of the Dutch Constitution.

The Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media – ) regulates broadcasting while maintaining editorial independence. (www.cvdm.nl)

The Nederland Press Fund (Stimuleringsfonds voor de Journalistiek – ) provides grants to support investigative journalism, local news, and press innovation. (www.svdj.nl)

The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ – ) negotiates labor protections and supports journalists under legal threat. (www.nvj.nl)

The Nederland has enacted strong anti-SLAPP legislation through the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive transposition, providing cost awards against abusive litigation against journalists.

The Public Broadcasting Foundation (NPO – ) operates independently from government control under the Media Act. (www.npo.nl)

Dutch courts have consistently upheld source protection rights for journalists.

Section 3: What the U.S. Could Do to Increase Its Freedom of the Press

The United States, while possessing First Amendment protections broadly recognized as among the strongest constitutional press freedom protections in the world, has seen its ranking in global press freedom indices decline in recent years. To increase its Freedom of the Press, the United States could address structural, legal, economic, and cultural challenges that currently impede independent journalism. The following measures, informed by best practices from top-ranked countries, outline a comprehensive framework for reform.

1. Enact a Federal Shield Law

Congress could pass a comprehensive federal shield law protecting journalists from being compelled to reveal their confidential sources in federal court proceedings. While 49 states have some form of shield protection, no federal law uniformly protects journalists nationwide. A federal shield law modeled on the Free Flow of Information Act would bring the United States in line with Norge, Suomi, and Schweiz, where source protection is constitutionally or legislatively mandated. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (www.rcfp.org) has long advocated for this measure.

2. Anti-SLAPP Legislation

Congress could enact a strong federal anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute to deter abusive litigation designed to silence journalists and media organizations through financial attrition. Such a law would enable early dismissal of meritless defamation suits and award attorney fees to prevailing defendants, consistent with European Union anti-SLAPP directives adopted by the Nederland, Deutschland, and République française. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (www.rcfp.org) and the Protect the 1st Foundation (www.rcfp.org) support this legislation. (protect1st.org)

3. Support Local and Independent Journalism

The collapse of local news has created hundreds of 'news deserts' across the United States, leaving communities without accountability journalism. Congress and state legislatures could create tax incentives for local news subscriptions, establish a Public Interest Journalism Fund to provide grants to nonprofit and for-profit local news organizations, and expand funding for public broadcasting through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (www.cpb.org). Programs modeled on Scandinavia's direct press subsidies could be explored without editorial conditions.

4. Protect Journalists from Physical and Legal Harassment

The Department of Justice (www.justice.gov) could update its guidelines on the use of subpoenas, search warrants, and other compulsory process against news media to strengthen protections. Law enforcement agencies could adopt and enforce policies prohibiting the arrest, assault, or obstruction of journalists covering protests, elections, or public events. The Committee to Protect Journalists (www.justice.gov) and the Society of Professional Journalists (www.justice.gov) could be consulted in policy development. (cpj.org) (www.spj.org)

5. Strengthen Freedom of Information

Congress could modernize and strengthen the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to reduce processing delays, lower costs for journalists and public interest requestors, establish an independent FOIA Ombudsman with enforcement authority, and mandate proactive disclosure of categories of government information. The National Freedom of Information Coalition (www.nfoic.org) and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (www.nfoic.org) could be empowered to assist in oversight. (www.rcfp.org)

6. Limit Government Surveillance of Journalists

Congress could amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and other surveillance statutes to create explicit prohibitions on targeting journalists for their newsgathering activities and to require judicial approval before any surveillance of journalists. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org) and the American Civil Liberties Union (www.eff.org) have identified specific provisions requiring reform. (www.aclu.org)

7. Combat Media Consolidation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC – ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC – ) could strengthen antitrust enforcement in the media sector to prevent excessive consolidation of news ownership. Policies encouraging diverse and independent ownership of broadcast and print media will strengthen plurality in news coverage, consistent with standards applied in Deutschland and the United Kingdom. (www.fcc.gov) (www.ftc.gov)

8. Promote Digital Press Freedom

Congress could reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to ensure that digital platforms do not suppress or de-platform legitimate journalism. The Federal Communications Commission could develop policies to support net neutrality, ensuring equal access to online news distribution. Organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org) and the Center for Democracy and Technology (www.eff.org) could be involved in drafting these reforms. (cdt.org)

Section 4: References

References for Section 2:

1. Reporters Without Borders (RSF): (rsf.org)

2. Norwegian Media Authority (Medietilsynet): (www.medietilsynet.no)

3. Broadcasting Authority of Éire / Ireland (BAI): (www.bai.ie)

4. Irish Press Council: (www.presscouncil.ie)

5. Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority (MPRT): (www.mprt.se)

6. Council for Mass Media in Suomi (JSN): (www.jsn.fi)

7. Portuguese Regulatory Entity (ERC): (www.erc.pt)

8. Swiss Press Council (Presserat): (www.presserat.ch)

9. Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media): (www.cvdm.nl)

10. Nederland Press Fund: (www.svdj.nl)

References for Section 3:

1. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: (www.rcfp.org)

2. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): (cpj.org)

3. Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): (www.spj.org)

4. Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): (www.cpb.org)

5. National Freedom of Information Coalition: (www.nfoic.org)

6. Electronic Frontier Foundation: (www.eff.org)

7. American Civil Liberties Union: (www.aclu.org)

8. Federal Communications Commission: (www.fcc.gov)

9. Federal Trade Commission: (www.ftc.gov)

10. Freedom House: (freedomhouse.org)

Section 5: U.S. Organizations Advocating to Improve Freedom of the Press

Section 6: Individuals Advocating to Improve Freedom of the Press

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the United States rank in global press freedom?

The United States ranks 31st out of the top 35 countries with populations over 5 million in the RSF World Press Freedom Index 2023, with a score of 61.23. This reflects concerns including journalist harassment, media ownership concentration, and lack of a federal shield law protecting sources.

What are the biggest threats to press freedom in the United States?

Key threats include hostility toward journalists, concentration of media ownership, economic pressures on local news, legal threats such as subpoenas against journalists, and the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence reporters. The Committee to Protect Journalists documented numerous cases of journalists being harassed or arrested during 2022–2023.

What is a 'news desert' and why does it matter?

A news desert is a community that has lost access to local journalism due to the decline of local news outlets. This undermines the public's ability to access independent, community-focused reporting and hold local officials accountable.

What policies has Norway used to achieve the top ranking in press freedom?

Norway funds independent journalism through the Press Financial Fund (Mediestøtteordningen), which subsidizes smaller regional newspapers to ensure pluralism. The government also enacted a Media Liability Act, a Freedom of Information Act, and strong judicial protections for source confidentiality, while prohibiting political interference in public broadcasting.

How does Ireland protect press freedom?

Ireland's press freedom is grounded in Article 40.6.1 of its Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of expression. The country uses independent self-regulation through the Press Council and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and in 2023 passed the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act to address digital media while maintaining press freedom protections.

What reforms could improve press freedom in the United States?

Based on top-ranked countries, reforms could include enacting a federal shield law to protect journalists' sources, establishing public funding mechanisms to support local and regional news outlets, strengthening anti-SLAPP legislation, and creating independent regulatory bodies that oversee media without editorial interference.

About the Author

Ronald Bonfilio has devoted his career to public service spanning more than five decades. His service began with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, where he conducted medical laboratory research at Fort Detrick and at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He subsequently held a distinguished series of federal positions, including roles with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development (Vietnam), the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the U.S. State Department (Iraq), where he served as a Senior Economic Advisor and Agricultural Advisor. He also served 15 years with the U.S. Government Accountability Office as a Program Analyst and Auditor.

Ronald Bonfilio holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, and degrees in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.