Media freedom is now at its lowest and worst state ever says press freedoms international watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF)—which has just released the 2017 World Press Freedom Index—and is in danger of reaching a tipping point in the state of media freedom, especially in leading democratic countries.

“A statement rel4eased by RSF in publication of the 2017 index said: “Media freedom has retreated wherever the authoritarian strongman model has triumphed. Democracies began falling in the Index in preceding years and now, more than ever, nothing seems to be checking that fall.

“RSF’s global indicator has never been so high (3872). This measure of the overall level of media freedom constraints and violations worldwide has risen 14% in the span of five years. 

“As we have reached the age of post-truth, propaganda, and suppression of freedoms, this 2017 World Press Freedom Index highlights the danger of a tipping point in the state of media freedom, especially in leading democratic countries .”