According to the Reporters Without Borders annual World Press Freedom Index, freedom of press saw a sharp decline around the world last year.
Despite Nordic trio Finland, Norwary and Denmark filling the top three places, the European Union is responsible for the most dramatic decline, where working conditions for journalists have seen a dramatic deterioration in countries such as Italy, Iceland and Andorra.
Italy has fared particularly badly, falling 24 places down to 73rd. According to the report this is due to "threats from the mafia, among others, skyrocketing".
And the US isn't doing much better. Down three places to 49th, it has seen better days according to two-time Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times journalist James Risen, who calls Barack Obama the "greatest enemy of press freedom in a generation".
The worst performers overall are Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Eritrea, while Mongolia (up 34 places to 54) Tunisia, Brazil and Mexico are all noticeable risers.
