The level of freedom of the press in the United States continues to fall, according to a report from global journalism advocacy group Reporters Without Borders.

The group's fifth annual Press Freedom Index ranked the U.S. 53rd in the world – a decline of nine spots since last year, and 36 spots since the index debuted in 2002.

The report attributed the decline to increased legal pressure from federal courts on journalists to reveal confidential sources, including the jailing of reporters who refuse to cooperate with criminal investigations.

As a result, the image of the U.S. -- as a tribune for press freedom and a promoter of democratic reforms that other countries should emulate -- is significantly undermined. Furthermore, as press freedoms are curtailed, the press itself comes to be seen as less independent and therefore, less reliable.

It is arguable as to whether the solution to the problem, as proposed by the RWB in its report, lies in the passage of a federal shield law for journalists, but is imperative for the sake of both sides that some sort of balance is struck so that the credibility of U.S and the media are unquestioned. Anything less will lead to greater cynicism and mistrust at a time when individuals are already able to customize their own news consumption.