Media freedom in dire state in record number of countries, report finds | First Thing

World Press Freedom Index report warns disinformation and AI pose mounting threats to journalism. Plus, the shocking history of British royal crowns

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Good morning.

Media freedom is in dire health in a record number of countries, according to the latest annual snapshot, which warns that disinformation, propaganda and artificial intelligence pose mounting threats to journalism.

Are things bad everywhere? The environment for journalism today is considered bad" in seven out of 10 countries, and satisfactory in only three out of 10, according to RSF. The UN says 85% of people live in countries where media freedom has declined in the past five years.

Why has it never been harder to be a journalist? On World Press Freedom Day, readers can make a difference to struggling independents via supporter models that beat the censors. Here nine journalists from around the world describe the realities of trying to do their job and what they are doing differently.

Who is behind the course? The course is the creation of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the beef industry's main lobby group, and on after completing it I can tell you that you do not actually get a master's degree, despite its name.