In 2002 , the United States was ranked 17th of 167 countries in the same report . " The poor ranking of the United States ( 17th ) is mainly because of the number of journalists arrested or imprisoned there . Arrests are often because they refuse to reveal their sources in court . Also , since the September 11 attacks , several journalists have been arrested for crossing security lines at some official buildings . " In the 2006 index the United States fell further to 53rd of 168 countries ; indeed , " relations between the media and the Bush administration sharply deteriorated " as it became suspicious of journalists who questioned the " War on Terrorism " . The zeal of federal courts which , unlike those in 33 U.S. states , refuse to recognize the media 's right not to reveal its sources , even threatened journalists whose investigations did not pertain to terrorism . The United States improved , moving up to 48th place in 2007 , however , and to 20th in 2010
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Freedom of speech in the United States