Brazil’s position in free speech’s world charts like Freedom House’s Freedom of the Press and RSF’s Press Fredom Index has consistently worsened in recent years, Rafael Spulder writes from Sao Paolo.

The country is considered as one of the most dangerous places for media professionals in the world. So far in 2013, three journalists – two in the state of Minas Gerais and one in the state of Ceará – have been killed for publishing or possessing sensitive information about crime organizations.

Old problems like media concentration — among a few huge corporations persists — and the influence of local political leaders over judges and other public agents limit the work of the press.

These issues have contributed to the defeat of innovative initiatives that would have created a public media regulation agency and a law assuring internet users’ rights.

World Press Freedom Day 2013

European Union: Is the European Union faltering on media freedom?
Tunisia: Press faces repressive laws, uncertain future
Egypt: Post-revolution media vibrant but partisan