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South Africa
A Protection of Information Bill being pursued by the African National Congress would threaten press freedom by allowing the government to classify broad categories of information in the “national interest.” Read more on South Africa at Freedom in the World 2010: South Africa

Somalia
Journalist Barkhad Awale Adan was killed in Mogadishu when he was caught in the crossfire between the government and the Islamist group Al-Shabaab. Growing violence in the city has reduced the ability of the media to function. Read more on Somalia at Freedom in the World 2010: Somalia

Uganda
The Constitutional Court scrapped the law on sedition, thus protecting the population’s basic right to freedom of speech and expression, including the right to criticize those in power. Read more on Uganda at Freedom in the World 2010: Uganda

Iran
Three judiciary officials have been suspended due to the mistreatment of detainees at a holding center following last year’s disputed presidential election. Read more on Iran at Freedom in the World 2010: Iran

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Freedom of the Press 2010 Survey Release

Freedom of the Press 2010 identifies the greatest threats to independent media in 196 countries and territories. Released in advance of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the report shows that global media freedom has declined for the eighth straight year in a row, with significant losses outnumbering gains by a 2-to-1 margin. In 2009, there were particularly worrisome trends in sub-Saharan Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East and North Africa. Below are several critical tools to highlight data from the annual index of global press freedom, and to help explain the newest findings in their historical context. 

 
To maintain the independence and quality of our research, Freedom of the Press relies on private funds. Please support Freedom of the Press

Press Release - Read the press release detailing findings from Freedom of the Press 2010.

2010 Charts - The charts and graphs feature global and regional breakdowns for our three categories of "Free", "Partly Free", and "Not Free."

Tables - Tables featuring country rankings and numerical scores for the 2010 index.

Overview Essay - Press Freedom in 2009: Broad setbacks in global media freedom gives a thorough introduction to the state of global press freedom. It details trends identified in media freedom during the 2009 calendar year and offers a snapshot of regional gains and setbacks.

Methodology - View a description of the criteria used in the ratings process for Freedom of the Press 2010

Map of Press Freedom 2010 - Each year Freedom House produces a graphic representation of its country ratings in the form of the Map of Press Freedom.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the index, we have produced a series of historical charts and graphs showing trend in media freedom over the past 30 years.

Historical Maps - Using data from past reports, a series of 4 historical maps graphically demonstrate trends in media freedom over the past 30 years, at decade-long intervals.

Historical Charts - A series of graphs show global and regional breakdowns over time, as well as major recent declines and gains.

 

Pictures from the release event


Will Taft

Karin Karlekar

Frank Smyth

Chris Walker and Bob Boorstin

Chris Walker, Bob Boorstin, and Libby Liu