From Freedom House: Freedom of the Press Research Methodology

Press freedoms are being limited, according to critics. But how do we know that?

- Click here for an explanation. 

Here are the components of the evaluation:

1. To what extent are media owned or controlled by the government, and does this influence their diversity of views?

2. Is media ownership transparent, thus allowing consumers to judge the impartiality of the news?

3. Is media ownership highly concentrated and does this influence diversity of content?

4. Are there restrictions on the means of news production and distribution?

5. Are there high costs associated with the establishment and operation of media outlets?

6. Do the state or other actors try to control the media through allocation of advertising or subsidies?

7. Do journalists, bloggers, or media outlets receive payment from private or public sources whose design is to influence their journalistic content?

8. Does the overall economic situation negatively impact media outlets’ financial sustainability?

Reporters without Borders uses different criteria: 

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- pluralism (measures the degree of representation of opinions in the media space)
- media independence
- environment and self-censorship
- legislative framework
- transparency
- infrastructure
- abuses.