Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
Guyana moves up 4 spots on 2025 World Press Freedom Index
Kaieteur News- Guyana has moved up four places on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 73rd out of 180 countries. This is an improvement from its 77th position in 2024. Guyana scored 60.12 this year, a slight increase from last year’s 60.1.
Guyana World Press Freedom Index score for 2024 and 2025
The index was released by Reporters without Borders (RSF), an international non-profit organisation. RSF defends the right of every human being to have access to free and reliable information. This right is essential to know, understand, form an opinion and take action on vital issues in full awareness, both individually and collectively.
The purpose of the World Press Freedom Index is to compare the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories. The organisation explained that press freedom is defined as the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety.
It was stated that while freedom of speech and the right to information are protected in Guyana, journalists who challenge the authorities still face threats and intimidation. Many independent media outlets also struggle financially, as government advertising often favors pro-government media.
Guyana’s media scene includes both private and state-owned outlets like Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Guyana Times, Guyana Chronicle, and the National Communications Network. However, media regulators are appointed by the government without input from the opposition, raising concerns about fairness and independence.
RSF stated that politically, the government’s practice of hiring media workers for state jobs has weakened private newsrooms. Journalists also face legal threats, including defamation lawsuits, which discourage investigative reporting.
Further, it was stated that economically, independent media compete with better-funded, government-backed outlets. This makes it difficult for them to survive. In addition, it was stated that socially, journalists are generally respected but face verbal attacks from politicians. Some officials also refuse interviews with reporters they see as critical, it was stated.
In terms of safety, physical violence is rare. It was stated, “While journalists are rarely the target of physical acts of violence, television investigative journalist Travis Chase’s car was shot at in December 2023. Media professionals have also faced legal intimidation and suspensions. They are often bullied online by political actors and sometimes unknown persons.”
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