Journalism threatened by fake content industry | 2023 World Press Freedom Index
2023 World Press Freedom Index
The 21st edition of the World Press Freedom Index, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders, sheds light on major and often radical changes linked to political, social and technological upheavals.
The Index evaluates the environment for journalism in 180 countries and territories. According to the 2023 Index, the situation is …
- “very serious” in 31 countries
- “difficult” in 42
- “problematic” in 55
- “good” or “satisfactory” in 52 countries
In other words: The environment for journalism is “bad” in seven out of ten countries, and satisfactory in only three out of ten.
Mediahuis-countries currently rank on the following positions:
- Ireland (2nd)
- Netherlands (6st)
- Luxembourg (20)
- Germany (21)
- Belgium (31)
Germany, where a record number of cases of violence against journalists and arrests have been recorded, has fallen five places compared to 2022.
Overall, the 2023 Index spotlights the rapid effects that the digital ecosystem’s fake content industry has had on press freedom. In 118 countries, most of the Index questionnaire’s respondents evaluated that political actors in their countries were often or systematically involved in massive disinformation or propaganda campaigns. The difference is being blurred between true and false, real and artificial, facts and artifices, jeopardizing the right to information. The unprecedented ability to tamper with content is being used to undermine those who embody quality journalism and weaken journalism itself.
Challenges:
- Working Environment: The working conditions for journalists are becoming more difficult. Journalistic staff are increasingly exposed to hate or even violence. This threatens independent journalism.
- Misinformation: The rise of misinformation puts pressure on publishers to establish themselves as credible sources.
Opportunities:
- Fact-Checking and Verification Services: The demand for accurate information presents an opportunity for publishers to develop fact-checking services or partner with existing fact-checking organizations. They could establish themselves as reliable sources in a world flooded with misinformation.