* Hard Times For Press Freedom and Journos *
A new report just out from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) takes a deep dive into press freedom in four U.S. ‘swing states’ just days ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
“Press Freedom in the Swing States: The Climate for U.S. Journalism Ahead of the 2024 Election” reveals it’s not the best of times for journalists in these states, or America.
The report looks at five categories – political, legal, socio-cultural, economic, and safety. The authors used a survey completed by journalists and media experts in each state.
The data in brief:
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- Survey respondents were nearly unanimous (94%) in their assessment that public officials stall or ignore public records requests.
- 66% of journalists and media experts agreed that it was “difficult to earn a living wage as a journalist.”
- 75% agreed that “the average media outlet struggles for economic viability.”
The RSF report also reveals that :
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- Nevada received the highest marks across the board.
- Arizona has the worst political score of the four states analyzed, a reflection of anti-media hostility from local political officials.
- Florida’s status as a massive news desert directly impacts the state’s press freedom climate, with over 300,000 Floridians lacking a local news source. The state also lacks a press shield law and its anti-SLAPP law is very vague, leaving journalists open to risks.
- Pennsylvania media outlets struggle economically and journalists are unable to earn a living wage. They also face some of the most hostility from the public and elected officials.
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