Europe & Eurasia

Bulgaria

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}

IREX Score: 2.43	[IREX Methodology]
{Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00}

IREX Description:

The MSI panel concluded that the Bulgarian media environment is in crisis, and slipping away from sustainability in a growing number of indicators. For a second year running, the MSI survey clearly demonstrates the decline affecting the country's media. The MSI panelists agree it is always the same forces at play that contribute to the decline in media sustainability in Bulgaria: the economic crisis and the media's unhealthy ties with politics and business.

The media sustainability indicator that draws the most criticism from panelists is level of professional and ethical integrity of Bulgarian journalists and editors. Noted already as an alarming tendency last year, self-censorship is clearly on the rise in 2010.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Freedom House Score: 35 (Partly Free)	[Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}

Freedom House Description:

The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the government generally respects these rights in practice.
The country’s reporters continue to face pressure and intimidation aimed at protecting economic, political, and criminal interests. The perpetrators often operate with impunity, leading to some self-censorship among journalists. Georgi Stoev, an author who had written several books on organized crime in Bulgaria, was shot to death by two men in April. He had recently told reporters that he was willing to testify against a major crime boss, but that prosecutors had shown little interest.
The popular state-owned Bulgarian National Television and Bulgarian National Radio are often critical of the government.

Europe & Eurasia

Bulgaria

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