Data Scavenger Hunt

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above:

1. Overall, describe the state of press freedom in the world.

2. The U.S. has the forty fifth most free press in the world. How does that compare to the rest of the world and how do you feel about that ranking?

3. Based on the data from the chart above, what region of the world has the least press freedom?

4. Why do you think some parts of the world have high levels of press freedom while others have low levels?

5. Describe any geographical patterns you see in press freedom.

   Big Brain Questions

   Answer these questions by yourself using your brain and the links below:

6. List one thing the visual makes you wonder:

7. What do you think is the best explanation for the pattern you described in the visual above.

8. The First Amendment reads: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. In your own words, what does this say about freedom of the press?

9. The U.S. has the forty fifth most free press in the world. How do you think Thomas “I wrote the Declaration of Independence” Jefferson would feel about our nation’s current press freedom ranking? Pro tip - Thomas Jefferson made the following quotes:

   “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Thomas Jefferson

   “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” Thomas Jefferson

   “No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is not free no one ever will.”  Thomas Jefferson

   “Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.” Thomas Jefferson

10. In a recent poll, over half of Americans said that the US has, "too much press freedom." Do you think we Americans have too much press freedom?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Help the helpers. Support press freedom organizations like the ones listed below.

• Article 19
  Named after Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the organization works worldwide to combat censorship by promoting freedom of expression and access to official information.

• Committee to Protect Journalists
  A non-profit organization founded to promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.

• International PEN
  A worldwide non-governmental association of writers, promoting co-operation among writers everywhere, regardless of their political or other views, fighting for freedom of expression and defending vigorously writers suffering from oppressive regimes.

• Reporters without Borders
  Defending press freedom and the right to be informed, RSF is an organization officially recognized as serving the public interest.

Get Creative

How would you really know if you were in a country without a free press? Imagine life in America with press freedom similar to a very poorly ranked country like Uzbekistan (number 156 in press freedom - yikes). Write three headlines from an online news site in a country without a free press.

Learn More

Read the most recent and slightly naughty 2022 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index.