Press Freedom Survey
| Producer |
Freedom House |
|---|---|
| Stated Purpose |
To provide an annual evaluation of the state of global press freedom. |
| Area of Governance |
Human Rights Media
|
| Funding Source |
US charitable foundations and government agencies. |
| Current usage |
The index is used by governments, academics and news media in many countries. |
| Where to find it | |
| Type of data used |
Foreign and domestic news reports, publications, think tank and academic analyses, individual professional contacts, and visits to the region in preparing reports. |
| Coverage |
194 countries worldwide. |
| Contact details |
Washington, D.C. Office |
| Methodology |
Experts are asked to rate countries‘ press freedom based on their “Legal Environment” (0-30 points), “Political Influences” (40 points), and “Economic Pressures” (30 points).Unclear how ranking is determined. |
| Format of results |
0-30 “Free”, 31-60 “Partly Free”, 61-100 “Not Free” |
| Valid Use |
The index simplifies a complex subject into an easily understood rating. |
| Invalid Use |
The methodology’s reliance on external assessments means it should not be used as a reflection of the views of citizens within the country. The scoring system precludes the indices’ use as an index of the de facto or de jure enjoyment of rights. |
| Assumption |
State-owned media is less free. Similar value bias exists throughout the questionnaire. |
| Example results |
The table below shows the 2006 press Freedom rankings |
