Bosnia and Herzegovina
81
The RSF index annually assesses press freedom worldwide by analyzing pluralism, media independence, and the pressures faced by journalists. In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked 81st out of 180 and was among the countries in problematic situations.
18
IREX Vibrant Barometer
The Vibrant Information Barometer analyzes the production, dissemination, consumption, and use of information. In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina is classified in the “Fairly Vibrant” category (<21) : the country has high-quality, relatively independent information that is accessible to the majority.
38
Media Education
The 2023 Media Literacy Index ranks countries based on their resilience to disinformation and misinformation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked among the countries most vulnerable to disinformation , the lowest group in the ranking.
114
Perception of corruption
The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring them on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Bosnia and Herzegovina scored 33/100 in 2024 (-2 compared to 2023).
A fragmented media landscape
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a highly fragmented media landscape, with approximately 40 television channels, 150 radio stations, several daily newspapers, nearly 200 magazines, and approximately 600 news websites. However, this multitude of media outlets does not ensure true pluralism of information, as political and ethnic polarization strongly influences content.
A strong external influence
In addition to domestic media, foreign news agencies and international media outlets play a key role in shaping public opinion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, media outlets from other countries in the same language region, particularly Serbian tabloids, exert considerable influence, sometimes reinforcing polarization and disinformation.
Press freedom under pressure
Bosnian journalists are facing increasing political and economic pressure. The recently reintroduced criminalization of defamation in the Republika Srpska poses a serious threat to freedom of expression, discouraging critical journalism and reinforcing self-censorship.
The importance of independent media
In the face of these challenges, independent online media outlets such as BIRN BIH, CIN, Istinomjer , and Raskrikavanje offer a vital alternative through their commitment to investigative journalism. At the same time, several initiatives are strengthening media literacy, including an informal network of stakeholders launched in 2019 and the Media Literacy Days, organized with the support of the Council of Europe.
fact-checking sites in Bosnia
Raskrinkavanje.ba
A platform dedicated to fact-checking, developed by the Civic Association & “ Why Not” ( Udruženje građana “ Zašto ne”). It focuses on debunking disinformation and analyzing media content in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN)
A nonprofit investigative center that examines corruption, organized crime, and other systemic irregularities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. CIN publishes investigative articles and maintains online databases to promote transparency.
Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIRN BiH)
As part of the BIRN regional network, BIRN BiH specializes in monitoring and reporting on war crimes trials and other important judicial processes in the country.
