Press Freedom Hits 25-Year Low as Argentina and United States Plunge in Global Rankings

Reporters Without Borders warns that press freedom has reached a historic low in 2026, with Argentina falling to 98th place amid rising institutional hostility.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 8:25 AM EDT

Source: Buenos Aires Times

A Historic Decline in Global Media Protections

The 2026 World Press Freedom Index, released by the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF), paints a grim picture of the global media landscape. For the first time since the index began 25 years ago, the average global score has reached an all-time low. The report reveals that 52.2 percent of countries are now in categories designated as "difficult" or "very serious" for journalists to operate. This represents a staggering shift from 2002, when only 13.7 percent of nations faced such dire conditions.

The erosion of journalistic safety is most evident in the shrinking number of "good" environments. Today, less than one percent of the global population lives in a country where press freedom is considered optimal. This elite group is restricted to just seven Northern European nations, with Norway maintaining its position at the top of the list for the tenth consecutive year.

Systematic Pressure and Hostility in the Americas

In the Western Hemisphere, the report singles out the United States and Argentina for notable declines. The United States dropped seven places to 64th, a move attributed to a systematic policy of media antagonism under the administration of Donald Trump. RSF cited the expulsion of journalists and significant funding cuts to international broadcasting as primary drivers for the downgrade.

The situation in Argentina is equally concerning for regional observers, as the country fell 11 spots to 98th place. The watchdog identified a rise in institutional hostility toward the press since the inauguration of Javier Milei. The analysis suggests that the frequent use of defamation and verbal threats from the executive branch has created a volatile environment for media professionals, particularly those covering public demonstrations or critical of government policy.