Reporters Without Borders published its World Press Freedom Index 2025, which states that media freedom is in a worrying decline in many parts of the world, and one of the reasons for the weakening of the media, although often underestimated, is economic pressure.
The data measured by the RSF Index clearly shows that today's media outlets are torn between maintaining their editorial independence and ensuring economic survival, the report says.
Nevertheless, Armenia was considered the leader in the region and improved its position again, moving up 9 places in the country ranking, from 43rd to 34th among 180 countries.
The report on Armenia notes that despite the pluralistic environment, the media remain polarized. The country is facing unprecedented levels of disinformation and hate speech, fueled by domestic political tensions, security concerns at the country’s borders, and the country’s difficult situation between Russia and the EU. Social media is the main source of information, which two-thirds of the population access daily.
Since the 2018 Velvet Revolution, many new media outlets have emerged, and independent news websites are thriving and fulfilling the role of independent observers necessary in a democracy. However, most broadcast and print media outlets linked to major political and commercial interests continue to face pressure over their editorial policies, the report says.
Georgia has deteriorated, falling 11 places in a year to 114th out of 180 countries. Azerbaijan continues to fall, this time by 3 places, and takes the 167th place, Turkey's index is 159/-1, Russia's is 171/-9, and Iran's is 176/0.
Among the former USSR countries, only the current EU members are ahead of Armenia: Estonia: 2/+4, Lithuania: 14/ -1, Latvia: 15/ -3.
Norway has the freest media, Eritrea the least free.
