Washington, May 4 (IANS/AKI) North Korea, Iran and Syria are among the top 10 countries deemed worst for press freedom, according to an annual ranking by a Washington-based watchdog.

"Just 14 percent of the world's population lives in societies that enjoy vibrant coverage of public affairs, a legal environment that undergirds a free press and freedom from intrusion by the government or other political forces," the Freedom House watchdog said.

"In the world's 10 worst rated countries, independent media are either non-existent or barely able to operate," the watchdog said.

North Korea was ranked the worst country in the world for press freedom.

The one-party state owns the press in its entirety, and devotes considerable energy and resources to preventing North Koreans from hearing alternative interpretations of events, the watchdog said.

"Though foreign journalists are sometimes allowed in the country, they are being monitored carefully by special minders," Freedom House said.

North Korea, like many of the countries with the least press freedom, has kept internet penetration low and censures new media, recognising its propaganda potential.

Pyongyang has its official YouTube and Twitter handles, and web access is available only to a nationwide intranet, the Kwangmyong, that does not link to foreign sites, the watchdog noted.

The index reported no progress or backsliding in the vast majority of countries in the Middle East and North Africa, notably in Egypt.

"While two of the Arab Spring countries, Libya and Tunisia, largely retained their significant gains from the previous year, Egypt moved back into the 'Not Free' category," the report said.

Originally posted here:

Press freedom 'non-existent' in N.Korea, Iran, Syria