Reporters Beyond Borders: Georgia’s Press Freedom Index Remains the Same

An independent non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Paris—Reporters Without Borders (RSF)—has released its latest report. According to the World Press Freedom Index 2017, Georgia is in 64th place for journalistic freedom out of the 180 countries ranked.

RSF says that Georgia’s 27.76 points are the same last year but noted that reforms in recent years have brought improvements to Georgia’s media landscape. These improvements include media ownership transparency, satellite TV pluralism, and an overhaul of the broadcasting regulatory authority. The report also says that violence against journalists is less frequent, although threats are often reported.

However, according to the RSF, the media continues to be very polarized and, despite some progress, media owners often make editorial content decisions.

“The war for ownership of the main TV channels is a source of concern for the future of pluralism. The fate of the main national opposition TV channel, Rustavi 2, will serve as a test,” the report says.

Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands are the five countries with the most press freedom, according to the report.

RSF is an independent NGO with consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).

Thea Morrison

Photo source: Getty images