Released on May 3 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a survey indicated that Georgia's press freedom ranking has fallen sharply from 77th in 2023 to 103rd. RSF highlights governmental interference as a significant barrier to enhancing press freedom in Georgia and notes the increasingly hostile environment for independent and opposition media. This includes a rise in both verbal and physical assaults on journalists and legislative efforts that potentially restrict independent media and limit free expression. The country's total score stood at 53.05 points, with varying results across different indicators. The legislative indicator scored the highest at 67.31 points, whereas political criteria scored the lowest at 36.23 points. Security-related concerns garnered 61.35 points, with the social and economic context indicators scoring 60.45 and 39.93 points, respectively.

RSF’s analysis of Georgia's media landscape described it as diverse and highly politically polarized. Television, which remains the primary information source, is particularly noted for manipulation, hate speech, and the spread of disinformation. Meanwhile, the influence of regional and community radio stations is on the rise, contrasting with the declining readership of print media and the growth of online news platforms.

Regarding political context, RSF criticized the flouting of media ownership rules, noting that major networks often reflect the interests of politically connected owners. Additionally, state-owned media are not immune to governmental interference. The RSF report also points out the government's disregard for media criticisms and its use of censorship, raids, and smear campaigns.

RSF also emphasized that Georgia has yet to meet the European Union's recommendations on press freedom, which is a prerequisite for beginning membership negotiations. Notably, in 2023, the Georgian government demonstrated a concerning intent to control independent radio stations and TV networks through proposed changes to electronic communication laws and an attempted introduction of a "foreign agents" bill, which was withdrawn after mass protests and international outcry. Despite legal protections, RSF also mentioned occasional judicial attempts to breach journalists' source confidentiality.

Economically, RSF stressed the challenges faced by privately owned media, exacerbated by an underdeveloped advertising market and adverse changes in advertising legislation that unfairly benefit state-owned media, primarily funded by Western donors.

Social issues such as religion, LGBT rights, and Russian influence continue to stir significant tensions, affecting journalistic integrity and coverage. The report highlighted incidents where influential figures, like members of the Orthodox clergy, were wiretapped by security services, infringing upon journalistic source confidentiality.

RSF further noted the troubling frequency of verbal and physical attacks on journalists, sometimes by senior government officials, particularly during election periods. A stark incident cited was the July 2021 homophobic counter-demonstrations, where about 50 reporters were violently assaulted in the presence of non-responsive security forces, marking a severe regression in media safety. The ongoing lack of transparency and progress in investigating these assaults underscores the prevailing impunity for crimes against journalists in Georgia.