The Decline of Press Freedom
Summary
Since 2014, the global press freedom score compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has deteriorated. There are reasons for this decline. Democracies are increasingly employing methods pioneered by their more authoritarian counterparts. Rather than silencing counternarratives, many try to create a media environment where praise for the state takes centre stage, with the occasional faint whisper of discontent. Moreover, news outlets that are overly critical of the state are punished financially. Governments will refuse to advertise with them, while also pushing for firms to avoid them. Worse, the authorities may even target individual journalists. In the Philippines, a critic, Frenchie-Mae Cumpio had her flat raided; the police forced her to the floor and planted guns and contraband to frame her for financing terrorism.
Application
Press freedom is the foundation on which other liberties depend. Especially when the authorities abuse their power, it is difficult for them to secure their freedom to live their life as they see fit. Worse, there is a feedback loop in which a reduction in press freedom worsens corruption, which then leads to a further reduction in press freedom. When freedom is curtailed, unethical officials are emboldened to embezzle funds and steal from the public. Wanting to protect their image, they further regulate the press to prevent it from exposing their misdeeds. And the cycle continues.