- The Index ranks 180 countries according to the level of freedom available to journalists. It is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country.
- It is not an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country.
- India is ranked 136 in the World Press Freedom Index, in May 2017, three points down from last year.
- Norway is at the apex and North Korea at the bottom of the 180-strong list of nations.
- 21 countries are classified as VERY BAD; 51 countries are classified as BAD.
- Situation has worsened in nearly two thirds [62.2%] of the 180 countries in the Index.
- India has gone down from last year’s 133 rank. The report blames the rise of Hindu nationalism for the drop in ranking. Self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media.
- Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals.
- It is increasingly difficult for journalists to report from sensitive zones such as Kashmir, where internet connectivity is often snapped during conflicts and reporters are targets of violence from both ends.
