Armenia drops 16 Spots in Reporters without Borders` 2026 Press  Freedom Index

ArmInfo. The international organization Reporters Without Borders has published its 2026 Press Freedom Index, according to which Armenia has dropped 16 spots to  50th place. Last year, it ranked 34th.

The organization emphasized that despite the diversity of Armenia's  media landscape, the media remains polarized. "The country faces  unprecedented levels of disinformation and hate speech, fueled by  domestic political tensions, border security challenges, and the  country's precarious position between Russia and the European Union,"  the study's authors note.

It is noted that social media, used daily by two-thirds of the  population, is the primary source of information. At the same time,  it is noted that most broadcast and print media outlets linked to  major political and commercial interests continue to experience  pressure regarding their editorial policies.

"Media polarization reflects the polarization of the political scene:  many media outlets are close to political leaders who emerged after  2018, while others remain loyal to former oligarchs. Only a few media  outlets demonstrate independence. Two political topics are  particularly sensitive: ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan and the  increasingly tense relations between Armenia and Russia. Because of  these tensions, journalists are increasingly confronted with  coordinated disinformation campaigns and hybrid influence operations  linked to geopolitical tensions, further distorting the information  space. Some political groups are targeting journalists," the Index  states. Reporters Without Borders notes that despite the  decriminalization of libel and the introduction of legislation  guaranteeing media transparency, the legal framework regulating this  sector insufficiently protects press freedom and does not meet  European standards, while recent reforms have failed to address  issues related to disinformation and publication bans.  It also notes  that access to state-held information is restricted by the government  (refusal to respond, delays, etc.).

"Most media outlets are controlled by individuals close to political  movements or supported by influential public figures. Only a few  media outlets have implemented paid subscription models, and the  advertising market remains underdeveloped, limiting the financial  independence of private media. Meanwhile, state- owned media refrain  from any criticism of the government," the Index continues.

Reporters Without Borders notes that journalism as a profession in  Armenia is subject to criticism and particularly alarming forms of  hate speech. "The political elite's anti-media rhetoric, accusing  journalists of 'corruption' and serving their opponents, creates a  climate of intolerance that hinders their work. They are constantly  insulted, attacked, and prosecuted in defamation cases, which  reinforces self-censorship. 

Journalists are frequently subjected to pressure, insults, and  violence from both ruling party officials and opposition politicians,  as well as their supporters-whether in parliament, on the street, or  on social media.  Overall, violence against journalists remains  unpunished," the Reporters Without Borders Index states.