Press freedom ranking in U.S. falls: Our experts can provide insight

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2025 — The United States fell two spots — to 57 out of 180 countries — in the annual World Press Freedom Index published Friday by Reporters Without Borders, a global nonprofit that defends freedom of information. The 2025 index describes the level of press freedom in the U.S. as “problematic.”  

Increasing economic pressures on newsrooms and rising hostility toward journalists were key drivers of the decline, according to RSF.  

As press freedoms backslide, American teens are increasingly apathetic and distrustful of the news. A News Literacy Project study found that two-thirds aren’t concerned about the collapse of news organizations, and 69% believe the media intentionally adds bias to coverage.  

These trends underscore the urgent need to teach news literacy in schools — equipping students to understand the importance of the First Amendment and the vital role of a free press in democracy. 

Experts from the News Literacy Project are available for further comment.  

About the News Literacy Project 

The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan nonprofit building a national movement to ensure that all students are skilled in news literacy before high school graduation, giving them the knowledge and ability to participate in civic society as well-informed, critical thinkers. Founded in 2008, NLP is the country’s leading provider of news literacy education and works with educators in all 50 states. Learn more at www.newslit.org.