Press freedom ranking 2017: From Norway to North Korea

Nowhere in the world can journalists work as freely as in Norway, the "Reporters Without Borders" report says. It ranks number one among 180 countries. That has to do with the diversity of the media: Norwegians have some 200 newspapers to choose from. Government agencies' duty to disclose data and state subsidizing of media institutions also contribute to Norway's high marks in press freedom.

North Korea is at the bottom of the list of 180 countries. Journalists must adhere to a strict "information policy," which exults the superiority of former leader Kim Jong-il's legacy and of his son, Kim Jong-un. Televisions and radios can only pick up state broadcasters, meaning that the media is completely isolated. Those who criticize the system must reckon with draconian measures.

The US ranks 43rd - two spots down from the previous year. Widespread NSA surveillance during former President Barack Obama's administration is one reason for the drop. Improvement, however, remains at bay: Various law suits and public broadsides on the part of his successor, Donald Trump, against journalists and the freewheeling handling of "alternative facts" are alarming press representatives.

Italy has moved up 25 notches - to spot 52 - as compared to 2016. As the grip of Silvio Berlusconi's media empire on politics weakens, journalists can now work more freely. Still, organized crime continues to have a marked impact. Six journalists remain under police protection due to mafia death threats.

The 2016 re-election and ensuing fourth term of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega mean one thing for government critics: harassment and repression. Ortega and his family control the judiciary and the television market. Nicaragua made the biggest drop in the press freedom ranking for last year, moving down 17 notches to spot 92.

Press freedom is highly regarded in Germany, with the country keeping its spot at 16 - the same as the previous year. But there is still cause for concern: Especially during right-wing demonstrations, violent attacks and threats toward journalists have increased. According to a study by conflict researcher Andreas Zick, more and more journalists exercise self-censorship as they work.