Report Launch – Silencing the Fourth Estate: Italy's Democratic Drift

ECPMF

29 July 2024

No Comments

Media freedom in Italy has been steadily declining in recent years, marked by unprecedented attacks and violations often initiated by public officials in the attempt to silence critical voices. Political interference in public media and the systematic use of legal intimidation against journalists by political actors have long defined the media-politics relationship in Italy. However, these dynamics have reached alarming levels over the past two years.

In the lead-up to the 2024 EU elections, amidst a rapidly deteriorating context, the partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) conducted an urgent mission to Rome, Italy, on May 16-17 2024. The mission aimed to engage with state representatives, institutions, and political parties on three critical issues: political interference in public media, legal harassment of dissenting journalists, and the potential acquisition of AGI, one of the country’s main news agencies.

This report presents the findings from the mission and MFRR’s ongoing monitoring, offering a comprehensive analysis of the three most urgent issues identified. It evaluates the impact of various measures and bills introduced by Italian decision makers, in light of the latest EU provisions aimed at ensuring the independence of public media, countering market concentration, addressing conflicts of interest, and equipping the judiciary to handle vexatious lawsuits. The report also provides detailed recommendations for Italian institutional and governmental actors, outlining necessary steps to counter the decline in media freedom and  much needed reforms.

Related news

Feature

Press freedom organisations demand protection for journalists in Georgia

Press freedom organisations call on Georgia to protect journalists amid attacks, election-related harassment, and barred entry for foreign reporters.

READ MORE
Feature

Partners of the Platform call on Irish authorities to continue to prioritise media freedom and better protect journalists

Press freedom organisations call on Ireland to reform defamation laws, implement anti-SLAPP measures, and ensure journalist safety amid rising legal threats.

READ MORE
General

German journalist Max Ludwig harassed by Munich police

ECPMF condemns repeated police harassment of journalist Max Ludwig at Munich Airport, calling for protection of media rights during public events.

READ MORE
General

Belgium: Serious concerns over cases of preventive censorship involving four media outlets

ECPMF and MFRR condemn judicial decisions preventing Belgian media from publishing public interest stories.

READ MORE
General

Turkey: Press freedom and freedom of expression groups, media outlets and civil society condemn regulator’s decision to shutter Açık Radyo

ECPMF and 65 press freedom groups condemn Turkey’s revocation of Açık Radyo’s license, urging RTÜK to reverse decision and protect media.

READ MORE
General

Honouring the unworthy: The Atlantic Council’s dangerous missteps in rewarding free speech oppressors

We are appalled by the decisions of the Atlantic Council to award Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards.

READ MORE