Reporters Without Borders has published its latest Press Freedom Index, showing Georgia has fallen by 21 places and now ranks 135th out of 180 countries. Last year, the country was ranked 114th.
RSF says official interference continues to undermine press freedom in Georgia, while the environment for independent media remains hostile, with an increasing number of verbal and physical attacks against journalists.
The organization also cites the tightening of laws on so-called “foreign influence” and “family values,” saying these measures marginalize journalists, expose them to censorship and significantly limit space for free expression.
Political context
RSF says Georgia’s media landscape is diverse but highly polarized, with widespread manipulation, hate speech and disinformation, particularly on television, which remains the main source of information.
The report notes that media ownership often translates into editorial control, citing Rustavi 2 as an example where editorial policy changed after a change in ownership. It also points to concerns over government influence in the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB).
RSF states that expanded regulatory powers increase the risk of censorship. It also highlights political instability following the contested October 2024 parliamentary elections, adding that this environment has enabled greater political pressure on media.
Legal framework
RSF says Georgia has not yet implemented European Union recommendations on press freedom, a key requirement for opening accession talks.
The report criticizes the adoption of a “foreign agents” law, saying it introduces criminal liability for media directors and board members, and includes potential prison sentences for non-compliance.
It also highlights amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, which ban foreign funding for broadcasters and expand the powers of the regulator overseeing media content. RSF raises concerns over the independence of this body.
Revisions to the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression are also described as weakening protections for journalistic sources.
Economic context
The report says Georgia’s advertising market remains underdeveloped and is shrinking, particularly in print and online media, which rely heavily on donor funding.
RSF warns that restrictions on foreign funding have worsened the financial sustainability of independent outlets. Combined with regulatory pressure and advantages for state-funded media, these changes are seen as distorting competition and threatening independent media survival.
Sociocultural and safety context
RSF says social tensions around religion, LGBTQ+ rights and Russian influence continue to affect journalism. Reporters covering sensitive issues face harassment and pressure, while surveillance and legal restrictions undermine source protection and investigative reporting.
The organization also reports increasing verbal abuse, physical assaults and intimidation against journalists, often linked to political tensions and protests. It says investigations into such cases remain ineffective, contributing to a climate of impunity and growing self-censorship.
Global ranking context
In the global index, Norway ranks first for media freedom, followed by the Netherlands, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Portugal.
Among regional countries, Moldova ranks 31st, Armenia 50th, and Ukraine 55th. The United States is placed 64th, while Russia ranks 172nd.
