Freer than France and Spain: Czechia performs strongly in Press Freedom Index

In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published today by advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Czechia has fallen three spots compared to last year, now sitting at 17th. RSF said that Czechia remains threatened by the “high concentration of private media” as well as online hatred against journalists.

In its methodology, RSF analyzes aspects such as a country’s media pluralism, self-censorship, punishments against journalists (including captivity), and legislative framework for the media when assessing a country’s press freedom. RSF included 180 countries in its ranking.

Private influence, public distrust

In its analysis of Czechia, RSF writes that its media landscape is characterized by three major trends: the significant concentration of large media groups owned by major economic players, the rise of new independent media, and the strong presence of respected public media.

RSF mentions leader of the opposition ANO party and former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’ media ownership, which until recently included the large Mafra publishing house. Notably, RSF says that public media remain “at the mercy” of possible political pressure.

"More and more governments and political bodies are failing to fulfill their role as guarantors of a free and diverse media landscape. We have seen a decline in support and respect for media autonomy, with an increase in pressure from state and political entities."

Reporters Without Borders

Situation generally improving in Czechia

RSF also writes that some political actors in Czechia “do not hesitate to ride the current wave of distrust of the media.” It pointed out that the end of former President Miloš Zeman’s spell in power was good news for Czech media freedom due to his “distrust” of journalists and occasional disruption. Many will also remember Zeman famously brandishing a mock gun marked with a message saying “for journalists” at a 2017 press conference.

The international advocacy group also mentions that a recently passed law in Czechia virtually barring senior political officials from media ownership has improved the state of media freedom in the country. It is also harder for media companies to draw state subsidies from the government, further bolstering their independence.

“Unrestrained attacks on journalists from the highest levels of government have fuelled public mistrust of journalists” in Czechia, RSF writes. The study also points out that growing disinformation networks in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war and Covid-19 have damaged the media industry in the country.