Final answer:
In 2019, worldwide freedom of the press was on the decline due to government crackdowns, increased surveillance, and physical attacks on journalists.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2019, a report published by Freedom House noted that, worldwide, freedom of the press has been on the decline. This means that over time, there has been a decrease in the level of freedom for journalists and media organizations to report news and express their opinions without censorship or intimidation.
This decline can be attributed to various factors such as government crackdowns, increased surveillance, physical attacks on journalists, and the rise of online misinformation. It is important to protect and promote press freedom as it is a key pillar of democracy and facilitates the free flow of information to the public.
For example, some countries have implemented laws that restrict media freedoms, while others have resorted to harassment and violence against journalists to suppress critical reporting. These actions have a chilling effect on press freedom and undermine the ability of journalists to hold those in power accountable.
Learn more about freedom of the press