Overview

• Reporter ohne Grenzen's 2025 Press Freedom Index shows a historic decline, with 90 of 180 countries rated 'difficult' or 'very serious' for journalists.
• Germany fell from 10th to 11th place in the rankings, driven by increased hostility toward journalists, particularly those reporting on right-wing and Middle East issues.
• In 2024, Germany documented 89 physical attacks on journalists, more than double the 41 reported in 2023, with 38 incidents occurring at Middle East demonstrations in Berlin.
• Globally, economic challenges threaten media sustainability, with 160 countries struggling to maintain independent journalism due to declining ad revenues and state interference.
• The report highlights the broader trend of authoritarianism and security threats undermining press freedom, as seen in regions like Gaza, where 200 journalists were killed in 2024.