It’s time for some good news! The press freedom rankings of 2023 are in — and the Netherlands is back in the top 10.
The Netherlands has made a comeback from its 28th-place ranking in 2022. In fact, it has now bounced back to a much more impressive 6th place.
This is according to the annual international press freedom index rankings carried out by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reports the NOS. Wat leuk!
To make it even better, the rankings were based on the findings among a total of 180 countries. This means landing in the top 10 definitely has us trots (proud).
The results are in
Both Germany and Belgium have fallen in the ratings, with the countries placing 31st and 21st respectively. The lowest-ranked European country is Greece, which stands at 107.
So, without further ado, here are the countries with the highest press freedom! 👇
| Country | Ranking 2023 | Ranking 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | 1 | 1 |
| Ireland | 2 | 6 |
| Denmark | 3 | 2 |
| Sweden | 4 | 3 |
| Finland | 5 | 5 |
| Netherlands | 6 | 28 |
| Lithuania | 7 | 9 |
| Estonia | 8 | 4 |
| Portugal | 9 | 7 |
| Timor-Leste | 10 | 17 |
Protection of Dutch journalists
After the July 21 assassination of Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, the Dutch rankings took a serious hit. This makes sense, as the freedom index places a large emphasis on journalist safety.
The ongoing dangers of organised crime in the Netherlands mean that some reporters receive police protection.
Thankfully, physical attackers of reporters are usually prosecuted, and reporters can also use an emergency number to report threats that they receive both offline and online.
Media freedom is still under pressure. Journalists should be able to report without fear, media freedom is a pillar for democracies.
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) May 3, 2023
🇳🇱 supports freedom of expression and the safety of journalists via the Dutch Human Rights Fund. #WorldPressFreedomDay2023
📸@cartoonmovement pic.twitter.com/EONYYoydkZ
This has become necessary as issues such as immigration, agriculture, and climate change have led to an increase in physical and verbal attacks against journalists.
With the rise in the use of social media, abuse on the internet has also worsened, with women and people of colour experiencing the brunt of it.
Thankfully, this year there have been fewer threats against journalist’s safety, allowing our ranking to rise once again.
Diverse Dutch media
On top of this, a diverse media landscape and a wide range of national and regional daily newspapers and magazines are a groot positive for the country.
In fact, according to the RSF, the media is largely independent and trusted by most of the Dutch population.
However, it’s not all sunshine and stroopwafels. While Dutch media isn’t limited in sharing information and opinion, there is concern that the two media companies (DPG Media and Mediahuis) own a large majority of the papers.
What do you think of the Netherlands’ ranking on overall press freedom? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!