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. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
\"In the world's 10 worst rated countries, independent media are either non-existent or barely able to operate,\" the watchdog said. <\/p>\n
North Korea was ranked the worst country in the world for press freedom. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\"Though foreign journalists are sometimes allowed in the country, they are being monitored carefully by special minders,\" Freedom House said. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The index reported no progress or backsliding in the vast majority of countries in the Middle East and North Africa, notably in Egypt. <\/p>\n
\"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. <\/p>\n
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Originally posted here:<\/p>\n
Press freedom 'non-existent' in N.Korea, Iran, Syria<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading