The United States Just Got Downgraded on Press Freedom -- It's a Five Alarm Fire [View all]

Aaron Parnas

The international community is raising the alarm — and for good reason.

Today, CIVICUS — a global civil society alliance that tracks civic freedoms in 197 countries — officially downgraded the United States to a “narrowed” status on its press freedom watchlist. That term might sound technical or abstract. It’s not. It’s a flashing red warning light.

In CIVICUS's own words: “The targeting of journalists for documenting dissent while defunding public media is a clear red flag.” That’s diplomatic language for something more severe — the kind of state behavior we’re used to seeing in authoritarian regimes.

I started this newsletter because I believe journalism should speak for the people — not around them, not over them, and never just to the powerful. It should inform, empower, and inspire. It should make people uncomfortable when necessary. And it should never, ever stay silent in the face of corruption.

https://aaronparnas.substack.com/p/the-united-states-just-got-downgraded