Mexico faces dual threats to press freedom due to economic fragility and lethal violence, according to Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) 2025 World Press Freedom Index. The country ranks 124th out of 180 nations evaluated, dropping three positions since 2024. While Mexico’s high rate of journalist murders contributes to its poor standing, this year’s decline was driven by the financial instability of its media ecosystem.
“There’s a perception of widespread weakening of media in the country,” explained Artur Romeu, RSF’s Latin America director. Although less visible than physical violence, the economic crisis poses significant risks, pushing outlets toward reproducing official bulletins or succumbing to political and commercial interests.
This trend extends across Latin America, where 22 of 28 countries saw declines in their economic indicators. Advertising revenue, once vital for media, has shifted to global tech platforms like Google and Meta. The resulting precarity fosters self-censorship and deteriorates journalistic quality.
Despite challenges, some nations improved. Brazil rose 47 places following Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, while Ecuador and Bolivia also advanced. Globally, RSF describes the state of press freedom as “difficult,” with more than half the world’s population living in areas where journalism is severely restricted or nonexistent.
— new from Infobae