On 14 July, the Italian Chamber of Deputies approved unanimously a bill to establish a National Day in memory of journalists killed while performing their duties. The proposal now goes to the Senate for the final approval. This day will be observed each year on 3 May. The National Day provides an opportunity to promote press freedom and underline the importance of information and the role of journalists in society. Below is a breakdown of the main activities that can be organized according to this law.
- Commemorative events: The state, regions, metropolitan cities and municipalities can promote initiatives such as ceremonies, conferences, and public meetings to celebrate the National Day in memory of journalists killed in the course of their work.
- Awareness-raising campaigns: the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with professional associations and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers- Department for information and publishing, can run awareness-raising campaigns, which shall be promoted to the public using free airtime made available by public service radio and television broadcasting. These campaigns may focus on press freedom and the role of information in pluralism and democracy.
- Educational initiatives: Universities, journalism schools and other educational institutions can promote educational initiatives to commemorate journalists killed in the course of their work, raising awareness of the importance of journalism and freedom of expression and to deepen knowledge of the professional activity of journalists and the content of the art. 21 of the Italian Constitution, which protects freedom of the press.
- Combating hate speech: further awareness-raising campaigns can focus on combating hate speech and threats against women journalists, including actions aimed at shaming individuals for their physical appearance. These campaigns should emphasise that online violence and attacks undermine investigative journalism, freedom of expression and public trust in the press.
In conclusion of the parliamentary debate, the Undersecretary of State for Information and Publishing, Senator Alberto Barachini, gave the following speech: 'The role of journalists is more crucial than ever. They are the ones who go, see and report; the ones who risk their lives to witness events and inform us, helping us to form our own opinions.' In an era of low-cost manipulation, such as deepfakes, it is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This is why we need journalists and their work. We need people with training and expertise, and above all, a passion for the truth”. He added, 'We must be grateful to all those who have safeguarded, and continue to safeguard, our democracy by fighting for freedom of expression and the press. This is also the constitutional pillar on which the journalistic profession is founded, and it is a commitment that the government is reaffirming today in this chamber by supporting this bill, which we wholeheartedly endorse. Our government's actions are driven by the desire to safeguard freedom of the press and the plurality of information. We are drafting numerous measures to support publishing, free information, the journalistic profession, and the entire information sector”.
National media coverage:
Il 3 Maggio sarà la giornata nazionale in memoria dei giornalisti uccisi
