(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release: European and Global Journalists Back Fight for Editorial Independence at Leading Italian Daily The International Federation of Journalists today backed protests by journalists at Italy’s leading daily newspaper, Corriere Della Sera, over increasing editorial pressure from shareholders, including some of the country’s most powerful industrial conglomerates. […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release:
European and Global Journalists Back Fight for Editorial Independence at Leading Italian Daily
The International Federation of Journalists today backed protests by journalists at Italy’s leading daily newspaper, Corriere Della Sera, over increasing editorial pressure from shareholders, including some of the country’s most powerful industrial conglomerates. The journalists are demanding better protection for independent journalism.
“We are witnessing a struggle for the soul of Italy’s flagship newspaper,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “It is a battle about the future of independent and quality journalism in the Italian press and beyond.”
In a hard-hitting statement published today, the paper’s editorial committee, elected by journalists, said there is growing interference in the newsroom by some of the 15 major corporations and businesses that make up the ownership structure. They are calling for new internal structures to protect the independence of the editorial team.
Control of the newspaper, Italy’s biggest selling daily with around 400 journalists and 2,000 contributors, is in the hands of the RCS Mediagroup, in which 15 of Italy’s major industrial and financial conglomerates – such as the Fiat Group and leading banks – are powerful shareholders.
Journalists fear for the future of the paper’s independent reputation in the highly-charged political struggle now developing between Italy’s centre-right political parties led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the centre-left block led by former European Union President Romano Prodi.
“When journalists follow in the slipstream of their political friends, quality reporting suffers,” said White. “That is why the call for an end to editorial interference and for ethical journalism is vital. Journalists around Europe will give their full support to Italian colleagues fighting for their rights.”
The fears for editorial independence in the country’s major daily newspaper add to concerns over political influence on the media landscape, says the IFJ, given that the broadcasting system – both private and public – is largely under the control of Prime Minister Berlusconi, who owns the largest private broadcaster, Mediaset, and is able to influence the future of the public broadcaster RAI.
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
