Reporters Without Borders said for the first time in the Index’s history, more than half of the world’s countries now fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom.
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Fiji has recorded the biggest improvement in the Pacific in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, rising to 24th out of 180 countries.
The index has been compiled and published by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) since 2002.
Papua New Guinea moved up slightly on the index to 73rd.
But Samoa recorded the biggest drop in the region, falling to 59th – its lowest ranking.
Tonga also slipped this year to 51st, down from 46th in 2025.
New Zealand is ranked 22nd, ahead of Australia at 33rd.
Reporters Without Borders said for the first time in the Index’s history, more than half of the world’s countries now fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom.
