To compile the Index, RSF has developed an online questionnaire focusing on the subjects specified above. The criteria used in the questionnaire are pluralism, media independence, media environment and self-censorship, legislative framework, transparency, and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information.Ĭlick here for more information The questionnaire This qualitative analysis is combined with quantitative data on abuses and acts of violence against journalists during the period evaluated. The degree of freedom available to journalists in 180 countries and regions is determined by pooling the responses of experts to a questionnaire devised by RSF. The global indicator is the average of the regional indicators, each of which is obtained by averaging the scores of all the countries in the region, weighted according to their population as given by the World Bank. It is an absolute measure that complements the Index’s comparative rankings. The global indicator and regional indicatorsĪlong with the Index, RSF calculates a global indicator and regional indicators that evaluate the overall performance of countries and regions (in the world and in each region) as regards media freedom. Nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country or region.

It does not rank public policies even if governments obviously have a major impact on their country’s ranking. It is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country and region. The Index ranks 180 countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists. The Index is a point of reference that is quoted by media throughout the world and is used by diplomats and international entities such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Many heads of state and government fear its annual publication. Because it is well known, its influence over governments is growing. This is the situation where by the press has the opportunity to freely express its opinion and views on national issues.Published every year since 2002 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the World Press Freedom Index is an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Meaning of Press Freedomįree press is otherwise known as press freedom. They relate information from the government to the people and from the people back to the government, without bias, prejudice, fear or favor. Some are called journalists while others are called newscasters. The press or mass media includes all agents of public opinion and the watch dog that speaks through the voice or by the pen, who gather, analyze and disseminate information via electronic gadgets or by documentary channels. The press can further be described as the sum of all the organizations and systems that make up the mass media of any given society. The press is in most cases referred to as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, i.e.

The press is one of the important institutions in the practice of government and also a major foundation for true democracy.

JSS3 Physical and Health Education (PHE).

JSS2 Physical and Health Education (PHE).

JSS1 Physical and Health Education (PHE).

Freedom of press definition