RSF calls on US politicians: 'Press freedom is in danger'

Americans are heading to the polls. As the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump continues, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has requested a commitment from both presidential candidates to act in a way that protects and promotes press freedom. 

The US, which ranks 55th in RSF's 2024 World Press Freedom Index, has experienced a historic decline in press freedom. RSF has also published a 10-point action plan to strengthen press freedom. 

The statement included the following remarks: 

"Whoever wins will be able to benefit from the ten-point plan prepared by RSF to strengthen press freedom in the United States (US).

The erosion of press freedom in the US, which fell to 55th place in RSF's 2024 World Press Freedom Index, marking a historic decline compared to the previous year, is partly due to a decrease in trust in the media, threats and violence against journalists, and the stalling of legal reforms. 

Furthermore, in a recent report highlighting serious deficiencies in the economic, political, and security situations of journalists in key states likely to influence election results, RSF underscored several more localized issues regarding press freedom; it noted that the next presidential administration has the opportunity to prioritize these matters. 

Weimers: Democracy depends on press freedom

RSF North America Bureau Director Clayton Weimers stated that RSF's recommendations could serve as a guide to improving journalist rights: “Americans can no longer take press freedom for granted. The next president must commit to strengthening press freedom in this country and around the world. Democracy depends on safe, independent, and pluralistic journalism. RSF will be willing to help the next president implement an ambitious and constructive program for press freedom, starting with the ten points outlined in RSF's plan”.

10-point plan from RSF 

RSF has prepared a ten-point plan for press freedom in the United States: 

Position the US as a consistent world leader on press freedom and condemn press freedom violations wherever they occur.

Secure the release of unjustly detained American journalists and ensure justice for American journalists killed abroad.

Prioritize press freedom in US bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Lead by example by holding regular press briefings, establishing fair and non-political media accreditation procedures, and regularly giving interviews to a diverse range of media outlets.

Treat journalists and media personnel with respect.

Publicly reaffirm the right and need for journalists to do their jobs safely, including covering demonstrations and protests.

Commit to signing the Press Act.

Support artificial intelligence (AI) regulations that protect the reliability of information.

Create a special US envoy or similar position for press freedom.

Commit to reforming the Espionage Act to include a public interest defense. 

The candidates' records

In July 2024, RSF stated that Vice President Kamala Harris had remained largely silent on press freedom issues and that, as a result, her record was consistent with that of the Biden administration. Since then, she has addressed the issue of press freedom and criticized her opponent for wanting to go after “journalists whose stories he doesn't like”. 

Under the Biden administration, journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, who were unjustly detained in Russia, were released. Also during the Biden era, the Department of Justice published a successful guide for local law enforcement on how to behave appropriately toward journalists in public settings. However, under President Biden's leadership, the US has continued to decline in the World Press Freedom Index due to significant systemic problems. 

Former President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on the media. According to RSF findings, Trump attacked the media verbally more than 100 times in the two months leading up to the election. He has also made alarming threats to use the government as a weapon to punish critical media.

RSF has contacted both campaigns and offered to meet to discuss policies that would strengthen press freedom during the transition period."