Freedom of press
Some countries do not have press freedom such as:
- North Korea
- Turkmenistan
- Eritrea
According to Reporters Without Borders, these places were found to have the least freedom for journalists in the world in 2020. In these countries you will only be able to read or watch news which supports the government.
Media in North Korea
North Korea’s government has total control of news reporting in the country. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) is the only permitted news source.
North Koreans can be imprisoned for looking at media from organisations outside the country.
Although mobiles and smartphones are allowed, access to the world wide web is blocked and only a small number of official websites can be accessed by North Koreans. In 2016, only 28 websites were available.
Media in Turkmenistan
The government of Turkmenistan controls all media. There is only one Internet provider. Few people are allowed to access the Internet and many websites are blocked.
Some citizens watch Russian and Turkish TV via satellite. The authorities have attempted to curb this by removing satellite dishes from private households.
Journalists in Turkmenistan who have attempted to work with media organisations outside the country have been arrested, tortured and prevented from working.
Media in Eritrea
Eritrea is the only African country to have no privately-owned media. The few privately-owned newspapers were closed in 2001 as part of a crackdown on the opposition.
Sixteen journalists remain behind bars without trial, many since 2001, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Outlets run by Eritreans abroad provide alternative news, but their reach and influence inside Eritrea are limited.
There were around 53,200 internet users (1.3 per cent of the population) by 2019 (CIA World Factbook) - the lowest penetration rate in Africa. At Internet cafés, Eritreans must provide their ID details before being allowed to connect.