Switzerland still out of top 10 for press freedom

The ranking is published by Reporters Without Borders every year on May 3, to coincide with World Press Freedom Day. © Keystone / Gaetan Bally

The country has ranked 12th in an annual press freedom survey, slightly progressing on last year’s score, but still not back to its position from before Covid-19.

The Swiss progression from 14th to 12th was due largely to the end of the pandemic, the Reporters Without BordersExternal link group said on Wednesday. “An unprecedented climate of intimation, hostility, and even physical violence from opponents of pandemic measures” had pushed the Swiss score down in 2022.

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That said, Switzerland is still only considered to be “satisfactory” when it comes to press freedom, and has not been able to regain the top 10, for various reasons.

Firstly, a law passed by parliament in 2022 made it easier for people or companies to file injunctions to prevent an upcoming press publication if they feel it will affect them; before, they needed to prove that such a piece would cause them considerable damage.

Also, Swiss journalists run the risk of a prison term of up to three years if they report using leaked or stolen bank data – even if these are verified, and in the public interest.

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The economic situation of many Swiss media outlets also remains shaky, Reporters Without Borders said. This can have a negative impact on media diversity and the diversity of opinions. It mentioned specifically last year’s rejection by Swiss voters of a proposed package of state aid for print and online media.

Norway, Ireland and Denmark topped the ranking in 2023; Vietnam, China, and North Korea propped it up. Overall, press freedom is considered “good” or “satisfactory” in 52 countries. It’s considered “difficult” in 42, “very serious” in 31, and “problematic” in 55.

Action plan for Swiss journalist safety

To coincide with World Press Freedom day on Tuesday, May 3, the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) presented on Wednesday an action planExternal link to tackle the increasing threats to Swiss journalists, both online and offline. The plan includes nine measures across three areas: awareness and prevention, protection and support in case of threats and violence, and legal framework. The measures include raising awareness among young people about the value of the media, facilitating contact between media professionals and the police, and launching a website on what to do in case of threats and violence.